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This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the transformation of narratives regarding Africa, moving from colonial-era stereotypes of poverty and conflict toward a more nuanced portrayal of the continent as a hub of innovation, cultural influence, and geopolitical agency.

This briefing by the Stockholm Environment Institute analyzes the oil and gas production narratives used by the governments of Colombia and Nigeria between December 2015 and May 2022. It examines how these narratives—focused on development, energy security, and energy transitions—are used to justify continued fossil fuel expansion despite the Paris Agreement, and provides strategies for civil society and researchers to challenge these frameworks to enable a more equitable energy transition.

This report, published by the Africa Policy Research Institute in 2023, examines the diverse narratives surrounding China's engagement in Africa. It challenges binary Western interpretations—which often frame China as either a benevolent partner or a predatory actor—by highlighting the agency of African states and the pragmatic ways they leverage Chinese finance and infrastructure for domestic goals. The document analyzes specific narrative contests, such as the 'debt-trap' discourse and the 'Indo-Pacific' strategic concept, arguing that African perspectives are often marginalized in global policy discussions.