Jamie Hitchen
Jamie Hitchen is a researcher at the Africa Research Institute in London. He holds an MA in history from University of Edinburgh and an MSc in African politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). He is interested in how informal structures leverage political power and has worked on these themes in Uganda, Ghana and Sierra Leone. He has written for the Daily Maverick, World Politics Review and Africa is a Country.
Young politicians aiming high

Young politicians aiming high

Youth – people between the ages of 15 and 35, according to the definition used by the African Union’s Youth Charter – make up more than 35% of Africa’s total population. But in elected legislatures in countries such as Ghana, Uganda and Nigeria they remain...

Complex politics complicate urban development

Complex politics complicate urban development

Strategic thinking and forward planning is required if Kampala is to avoid paying an unnecessarily hefty price for its rapid urban development The Kampala Capital City Act, adopted in 2011, marked the start of a new phase for urban development in the Ugandan capital....

Informal transport versus the state

Informal transport versus the state

Informal transport operators in the Sierra Leone capital face levies, bans, fines and government disregard Ibrahim Shaw has driven a taxi in Freetown for 16 years. The constant sound of his horn as he weaves in and out of traffic in Sierra Leone’s capital city...

Jamie Hitchen
Jamie Hitchen is a researcher at the Africa Research Institute in London. He holds an MA in history from University of Edinburgh and an MSc in African politics from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). He is interested in how informal structures leverage political power and has worked on these themes in Uganda, Ghana and Sierra Leone. He has written for the Daily Maverick, World Politics Review and Africa is a Country.
Young politicians aiming high

Young politicians aiming high

Youth – people between the ages of 15 and 35, according to the definition used by the African Union’s Youth Charter – make up more than 35% of Africa’s total population. But in elected legislatures in countries such as Ghana, Uganda and Nigeria they remain...

Complex politics complicate urban development

Complex politics complicate urban development

Strategic thinking and forward planning is required if Kampala is to avoid paying an unnecessarily hefty price for its rapid urban development The Kampala Capital City Act, adopted in 2011, marked the start of a new phase for urban development in the Ugandan capital....

Informal transport versus the state

Informal transport versus the state

Informal transport operators in the Sierra Leone capital face levies, bans, fines and government disregard Ibrahim Shaw has driven a taxi in Freetown for 16 years. The constant sound of his horn as he weaves in and out of traffic in Sierra Leone’s capital city...