Professor Eka Ikpe
Director, African Leadership Centre
- Professor in Development Economics in Africa
Research interests
- Conflict
- International development
- International relations
- Security
Biography
Eka’s research offers a critical understanding of socio-economic transformation that centres spaces in Africa and parts of the Global South across the fields of economic development and peace.
Her current themes of interest include state capital and developmentalism, industrial development, structural transformation, creative economies, health, peacebuilding and reconstruction. Her research has been funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, EPSRC, ESRC, AHRC, IDRC, among others.
Eka currently co-leads two Africa-Europe (African Research Universities Alliance-The Guild) Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRE) – CoRE on Creative Economies in Africa and CoRE on Interdisciplinary Peace. Eka’s research has supported the work of the UNECA, ECOWAS, UK Ministry of Defence, UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Africa, UK Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee, UK FCDO and global NGOs, among others.
Eka is co-editor of the Book Series, Peace, Society and the State in Africa (Bloomsbury), African Perspectives on Peacebuilding and Leadership (Bloomsbury) and Creative Economies in Africa (Routledge). She serves as a Trustee for the global thinktank, ODI. Eka has commented on development, peace and security for BBC World News, BBC Radio 4, Al Jazeera and Radio France International.
Eka holds a BA in Economics (Leeds University), MSc in Economics (with reference to Africa) and PhD in Economics (SOAS).
Research
- State capital, developmental states, and developmentalism
- Industrial development and structural transformation
- International/regional political economy dynamics and development
- Creative economies and development
- Peacebuilding, conflict, security and development
Teaching
Postgraduate
- Leadership and Development MSc
- Global Leadership and Peacebuilding MSc
- Leadership Studies with reference to Security and Development PhD, or option of joint PhD with University of Pretoria
Further details
Research
Chinese International Investments research group
We examine how Chinese companies and government initiatives have made China a new source of large-scale capital investments and business activities in a variety of sectors.
Critical Global Capitalism Studies Collective
A collective bringing critical global capitalism research, teaching and activism at King's together under one umbrella to provide a forum for collaborations, events, and discussions, and to forge connections with the media, the policy world, and other like-minded groups.
Just Transitions and Interdisciplinary Peace research group
Research group examining the transitions, natural resource governance, and (in)security impacted by decarbonisation and sustainability initiatives.
News
Roundtable offered 'deep insights' into key global sector
The opportunities and challenges presented by critical raw materials in Africa was at the centre of discussion at a roundtable hosted by King’s College London.
Arts & Humanities academics honoured at King's Engaged Research Awards
Research projects and individual academics from the Faculty of Arts & Humanities won at the King’s Engaged Research Awards 2025, hosted on 16 January.
Education fellows announced for Global Cultures Institute
The Global Cultures Institute has awarded two education fellowships to develop professional education courses and expand the MA Global Cultures programme.
UK-Africa relationship must be equitable, create structural shift: experts
Academics, diplomats and policy practitioners recently came together at King’s to debate the future of the UK-Africa relationship.
New Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence launched
The Department of Culture, Media and Cultural Industries will co-lead one of the new research clusters.
Providing mental health support in peace efforts helps alleviate PTSD and depression
New study shows group counselling and one -on-one peacebuilding activities improve mental health in Nigeria
Carnegie Corporation invests in Africa's future research and impact leaders
Major grant won by African Leadership Centre for ongoing research
New podcast on African fashion launches
The 'Africa Fashion Futures' podcast provides an opportunity to hear from academics and industry experts about the fascinating world of African fashion.
King's part of new Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRE)
Twenty research Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRE) have been created to bring together researchers from Europe and Africa, to transform collaboration in...
Collective climate action needed, King's experts tell London Climate Action Week
As part of London Climate Action Week, King’s experts demonstrated the value of partnership to address policy gaps and improve climate change adaptation plans.
Events
Roundtable with African ambassadors on critical raw materials
An academic roundtable discussion on critical raw materials co-chaired by Professor Eka Ikpe and Dr Mark Langan.
Please note: this event has passed.
Research in the Global South
Join the Global Cultures Institute and the Arts & Humanities Research Culture team for a roundtable discussion on research in the Global South.
Please note: this event has passed.
‘Funmilayo Ransome Kuti’ - Film Screening and Keynote with Director, Bolanle Austen-Peters
Film screening preceded by a Keynote from the producer and director of the film, followed by a Q&A session.
Please note: this event has passed.
Towards a Just Transition with Resource Governance
Panel discussion interrogating the justice implications of the global surge of appetite for transitioning to net zero carbon emission.
Please note: this event has passed.
How do higher education institutions mediate distances between states and society?
This high-level panel on the role of higher education institutions in Africa will examine how education systems can be pillars in disrupting distances.
Please note: this event has passed.
The inequality of European visa regimes: the implications for Africans
This seminar will discuss the data on visa applications to Schengen and the UK, the resulting costs and how they affect applicants from different regions,...
Please note: this event has passed.
Black History Month: Reclaiming narratives through art - a conversation with Black artists
Black artists in the UK will discuss how their personal experiences influence their art in this event organised by the African Leadership Centre
Please note: this event has passed.
Panel - China's model of Special Economic Zones: does it work for Africa?
To what extent have these China-associated SEZs in Africa helped spearhead rapid industrialisation and economic growth? Experts examine the characteristics of...
Please note: this event has passed.
Keynote and Debate: What should the future UK- Africa relationship look like? Priorities, collaboration, and agency
The African Leadership Centre (ALC) is pleased to invite you to a Keynote and Debate among academics, diplomats, and policy practitioners. This event is a...
Please note: this event has passed.
Supporting Creative Women Entrepreneurs in Lagos
This is a documentary film screening that will be followed by a panel discussion by the project partners, filmmakers and researchers and a Q&A sessio
Please note: this event has passed.
Features
Nigeria elections: the surprising influence of Afrobeats music on politics
In the run-up to Nigeria’s February 2023 elections, the country’s younger generation has mobilised to demand change and redefine the political landscape – and...
Could COVID-19 present opportunities for revitalising manufacturing in Africa?
Despite the immense challenges the COVID-19 pandemic brings, it also presents opportunities to strengthen industrial development in the African context.
Black History Month 2020: Resisting oppression, structural barriers and attainment gaps
In conversation with Professor Anne Pollock and Dr Eka Ikpe of the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy for Black History Month 2020
Trading beyond Brexit: is the UK ready?
Experts from King’s College London give their views on the UK’s current position and look at the challenges the UK faces in relation to securing its place...
IWD 2020: Celebrating Eka Ikpe
For International Women's Day this year, we celebrate Dr Eka Ikpe and explore her experiences as an African woman, researcher and Senior Lecturer at King’s.
Research
Chinese International Investments research group
We examine how Chinese companies and government initiatives have made China a new source of large-scale capital investments and business activities in a variety of sectors.
Critical Global Capitalism Studies Collective
A collective bringing critical global capitalism research, teaching and activism at King's together under one umbrella to provide a forum for collaborations, events, and discussions, and to forge connections with the media, the policy world, and other like-minded groups.
Just Transitions and Interdisciplinary Peace research group
Research group examining the transitions, natural resource governance, and (in)security impacted by decarbonisation and sustainability initiatives.
News
Roundtable offered 'deep insights' into key global sector
The opportunities and challenges presented by critical raw materials in Africa was at the centre of discussion at a roundtable hosted by King’s College London.
Arts & Humanities academics honoured at King's Engaged Research Awards
Research projects and individual academics from the Faculty of Arts & Humanities won at the King’s Engaged Research Awards 2025, hosted on 16 January.
Education fellows announced for Global Cultures Institute
The Global Cultures Institute has awarded two education fellowships to develop professional education courses and expand the MA Global Cultures programme.
UK-Africa relationship must be equitable, create structural shift: experts
Academics, diplomats and policy practitioners recently came together at King’s to debate the future of the UK-Africa relationship.
New Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence launched
The Department of Culture, Media and Cultural Industries will co-lead one of the new research clusters.
Providing mental health support in peace efforts helps alleviate PTSD and depression
New study shows group counselling and one -on-one peacebuilding activities improve mental health in Nigeria
Carnegie Corporation invests in Africa's future research and impact leaders
Major grant won by African Leadership Centre for ongoing research
New podcast on African fashion launches
The 'Africa Fashion Futures' podcast provides an opportunity to hear from academics and industry experts about the fascinating world of African fashion.
King's part of new Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRE)
Twenty research Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRE) have been created to bring together researchers from Europe and Africa, to transform collaboration in...
Collective climate action needed, King's experts tell London Climate Action Week
As part of London Climate Action Week, King’s experts demonstrated the value of partnership to address policy gaps and improve climate change adaptation plans.
Events
Roundtable with African ambassadors on critical raw materials
An academic roundtable discussion on critical raw materials co-chaired by Professor Eka Ikpe and Dr Mark Langan.
Please note: this event has passed.
Research in the Global South
Join the Global Cultures Institute and the Arts & Humanities Research Culture team for a roundtable discussion on research in the Global South.
Please note: this event has passed.
‘Funmilayo Ransome Kuti’ - Film Screening and Keynote with Director, Bolanle Austen-Peters
Film screening preceded by a Keynote from the producer and director of the film, followed by a Q&A session.
Please note: this event has passed.
Towards a Just Transition with Resource Governance
Panel discussion interrogating the justice implications of the global surge of appetite for transitioning to net zero carbon emission.
Please note: this event has passed.
How do higher education institutions mediate distances between states and society?
This high-level panel on the role of higher education institutions in Africa will examine how education systems can be pillars in disrupting distances.
Please note: this event has passed.
The inequality of European visa regimes: the implications for Africans
This seminar will discuss the data on visa applications to Schengen and the UK, the resulting costs and how they affect applicants from different regions,...
Please note: this event has passed.
Black History Month: Reclaiming narratives through art - a conversation with Black artists
Black artists in the UK will discuss how their personal experiences influence their art in this event organised by the African Leadership Centre
Please note: this event has passed.
Panel - China's model of Special Economic Zones: does it work for Africa?
To what extent have these China-associated SEZs in Africa helped spearhead rapid industrialisation and economic growth? Experts examine the characteristics of...
Please note: this event has passed.
Keynote and Debate: What should the future UK- Africa relationship look like? Priorities, collaboration, and agency
The African Leadership Centre (ALC) is pleased to invite you to a Keynote and Debate among academics, diplomats, and policy practitioners. This event is a...
Please note: this event has passed.
Supporting Creative Women Entrepreneurs in Lagos
This is a documentary film screening that will be followed by a panel discussion by the project partners, filmmakers and researchers and a Q&A sessio
Please note: this event has passed.
Features
Nigeria elections: the surprising influence of Afrobeats music on politics
In the run-up to Nigeria’s February 2023 elections, the country’s younger generation has mobilised to demand change and redefine the political landscape – and...
Could COVID-19 present opportunities for revitalising manufacturing in Africa?
Despite the immense challenges the COVID-19 pandemic brings, it also presents opportunities to strengthen industrial development in the African context.
Black History Month 2020: Resisting oppression, structural barriers and attainment gaps
In conversation with Professor Anne Pollock and Dr Eka Ikpe of the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy for Black History Month 2020
Trading beyond Brexit: is the UK ready?
Experts from King’s College London give their views on the UK’s current position and look at the challenges the UK faces in relation to securing its place...
IWD 2020: Celebrating Eka Ikpe
For International Women's Day this year, we celebrate Dr Eka Ikpe and explore her experiences as an African woman, researcher and Senior Lecturer at King’s.