Jann Lay

Prof. Dr. Jann Lay is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Goettingen and Lead Research Fellow at the GIGA German Institute for Global and Area Studies in Hamburg. He holds a PhD in Economics (summa cum laude) from the University of Goettingen and has extensive experience in research and policy advising across Africa, focusing on development economics, globalization, labor markets, and natural resource management. His current research emphasizes informal entrepreneurship, structural change impacts, and climate-related development challenges.

• Affiliations: GIGA Institute for African Affairs, University of Goettingen Collaborative Research Center 990
• Leadership Roles: Head of Research Programme 'Globalisation and Development' at GIGA, Former Acting Director of GIGA Institute of African Affairs

His work bridges academic research and policy practice, with contributions to the World Bank, German Development Cooperation, and the European Commission. Key areas include sustainable supply chains, land rights in climate actions, and digital transformation's role in governance. Lay has authored influential publications on topics like Africa's tech sector growth and labor formalization in Côte d'Ivoire.

Grants & Projects: Includes EU-funded Digital Transformation Lab (DigiTraL), World Bank land policy research, and GIZ-supported studies on global supply chains. He advises on policy at international forums and contributes to initiatives like the Land Matrix and Sustainable Rural Transformation programs.