Background & affiliationsResearch Fellow · GIGAAssociate Fellow · Africa Urban LabPhD in Economics · University of Göttingen
I hold a PhD in Economics from the University of Göttingen. My doctoral research examined structural change, foreign investment, and labour markets in developing economies.
I am an Associate Fellow at the Africa Urban Lab. My work at GIGA has included coordinating the Research Network Sustainable Global Supply Chains. In 2026, I was a Visiting Fellow at the European University Institute’s Robert Schuman Centre.
Alongside research and public writing, I teach economic development and sustainable globalisation. For speaking invitations, expert discussions, media enquiries, or research collaboration, get in touch.
Tevin Tafese
Technology, investment, and the changing world of work.
Economist · Researcher · Speaker
I study how new technologies and global economic integration shape development and employment in the Global South, particularly Africa. My work connects empirical research with policy debate and public discussion.
Selected contributions
All research & policy writing →AI in Africa: diffuse widely, build selectively
Why Africa's AI priorities should centre on broad adoption, local adaptation, and strategic capacity rather than costly frontier projects.
Read the policy analysis →From fields to factories
With Jann Lay and Van Tran, I use satellite imagery and labour-market data to show how Vietnam's special economic zones helped workers move into better-paid, more formal jobs, particularly women.
Africa's emergent tech sector
With Jann Lay, I map the continent's emerging start-up economy and examine where digital platforms can advance development—and where the evidence remains limited.
Read the paper →Decent work in global supply chains
A research synthesis co-edited with Jann Lay on how participation in global supply chains can support better working conditions and shared prosperity.
Read the report →Speaking & public engagement
Research in conversation.
I regularly contribute keynotes, invited talks, expert briefings, and moderated discussions on economic development, technology, and the future of work.
My research also reaches wider audiences through articles and podcasts.
Selected talks & media appearances →- Development research meets policyGroup research-policy roundtable with Olaf Scholz and Inka Jörs at GIGA · 12 October 2026
- Africa between growth and fiscal pressureInvited talk · Regionalkreis Afrika, Hamburg Chamber of Commerce · 10 September 2026
- Africa’s economic risePodcast guest · Business Diplomacy Today · 23 April 2026
- Afrikas Schicksal hängt an IranGuest article · Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung · 16 April 2026
- When do special economic zones work?Economics Unpacked · VoxDev · February 2026