Choosing a relevant and impactful research topic in African economics depends on current challenges and opportunities on the continent. Some of the most recent and promising topics for a master’s thesis include:
Digital Economy and Financial Inclusion: Investigate how mobile banking, fintech innovations, and digital payment systems are transforming access to financial services for underserved populations.
Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture and Food Security: Analyze economic vulnerabilities related to climate variability and propose sustainable adaptation strategies to protect livelihoods.
Youth Unemployment and Entrepreneurship: Explore policies and factors that promote youth entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment rates in urban and rural areas.
Economic Effects of Regional Trade Agreements: Study how initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) influence trade flows, industrial growth, and economic integration.
Sustainable Development and Resource Management: Examine the economic implications of natural resource management, including mining, oil, and renewable energy sectors.
These topics are highly relevant, data-rich, and can contribute to policy formulation and economic development. Choosing a topic aligned with your interests and available data will enhance the quality and impact of your research
High-impact, contemporary topics include digital financial inclusion and household welfare (mobile money and microcredit effects), climate adaptation and agricultural productivity, sovereign debt sustainability under commodity shocks, urban housing and informal settlement dynamics, and the economics of digital labor platforms — pick a topic that ties data availability to a clear policy question and local institutional context.