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The policy brief examines the "steel for fuel" strategy, where utilities replace fossil fuel plants—which incur pass-through fuel costs with no earnings potential—with wind and solar assets that allow for regulated equity returns. Using Xcel Energy as a primary example, the document explains how this transition can reduce consumer bills through fuel savings while maintaining or increasing shareholder value. It highlights the role of competitive bidding and the balance between utility ownership and independent power producers (IPPs) to ensure the lowest costs for consumers.

California has established a target of 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045 and increased its renewable energy requirement to 60 percent by 2030. To reach these goals, the Union of Concerned Scientists proposes ten strategies: improving energy efficiency (especially during evening hours), diversifying renewable sources (wind, solar, geothermal, and low-carbon bioenergy), phasing out natural gas equitably, using renewables for grid reliability services, investing in multi-timescale energy storage, integrating western electricity markets, leveraging distributed energy resources, electrifying buildings and transport, shifting demand to match production, and developing a skilled workforce.

The document examines the sunflower value chain in Malawi, noting that while the crop is drought-tolerant and suitable for smallholders, its industry is underdeveloped compared to soybean. Key constraints include a lack of certified seed, weak extension services, and competition from cheaper, smuggled palm oil. However, recent developments such as a new Seed Policy (May 2018), the removal of VAT on edible oil in 2017, and the establishment of a 'fridge-free' margarine factory by Sunseed Oil in 2017 provide pathways for growth. The briefing recommends increased collaboration between processors, government, and farmer organisations to promote certified seeds and the use of sunflower cake in animal feed.

The document analyzes the similarities and differences between China's engagement with Africa via the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and with Arab states via the China–Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF). It finds that while China–Arab relations are characterized by deeper economic and energy ties, China–Africa relations are more robust in terms of cultural diplomacy, people-to-people exchanges, and military engagement. The author highlights how China uses Africa as a testing ground for foreign policy initiatives and notes potential frictions in the Horn of Africa where Chinese and Gulf state interests overlap.

The document argues against a sequential model of research where results are merely 'translated' for stakeholders at the end of a project. Instead, it advocates for knowledge co-creation, an inclusive process where stakeholders are involved from the design phase through data analysis and communication. Using examples from the 'Active Citizenship in Culturally and Religiously Diverse Societies' (ACT) project, the brief demonstrates how interactive workshops and conferences can facilitate the exchange of experiential and professional knowledge. It concludes that while this approach increases relevance, new evaluation mechanisms are needed to capture the unpredictable, bottom-up nature of its societal impact.

The document analyzes the impact of different coastal tourism models on economic inclusion in IORA states. It argues that the dominant 'mass tourism' model often creates enclaves that exclude local entrepreneurs, whereas budget, domestic, regional, and niche tourism (such as eco-tourism) provide more accessible entry points for SMEs and marginalized groups. The briefing highlights the role of the Blue Economy and provides recommendations for IORA member states, particularly during South Africa's 2017–2019 chairship, to foster inclusive growth through better finance, training, and value-chain integration.

The document challenges the narrative that South Africa's public sector is bloated, noting that it employs only about 9% of the labour force and 3.1% of the population, which is below middle-income averages. It identifies a critical shortage of frontline workers, with vacancies potentially reaching up to a million, while highlighting a trend of 'skills intensification' where high-paid managerial posts (Grades 11-16) absorb 15% of salary costs despite representing less than 6% of the workforce. The brief proposes setting minimum staffing ratios for doctors, nurses, and teachers, redeploying 25,000 to 50,000 administrative staff to frontline services, and formalising approximately 360,000 stipend workers. It calls for the abandonment of 'blunt tool' fiscal freezes and the implementation of progressive taxation to fund these developmental imperatives.

The policy brief contends that South Africa's financial sector fails to fund productive investment in labour-intensive manufacturing because these sectors are high-risk and offer low short-term profits. It argues that existing DFIs, specifically the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), are too small and constrained by commercial funding models to fulfill their developmental mandates. The author proposes recapitalising these institutions with public funds, providing a stable low-cost funding line, and establishing an export-import (EXIM) bank to compete with other emerging markets like China and Brazil. These measures are intended to support sectors such as capital equipment exports, automotive subcomponents, and textiles to drive job creation.

The document argues that while the expansion of South African supermarket chains into the SADC region offers opportunities for local suppliers to enter regional value chains, this potential is currently hindered by high market concentration and the abuse of buyer power. It recommends the implementation of a regional code of conduct, the harmonisation of standards, and targeted supplier development programmes to reduce reliance on deep-sea imports and foster industrialisation in southern Africa.

The document analyzes the ineffective responses to Burundi's political crisis, highlighting the lack of coordination between the UN, AU, and EAC. It identifies the Burundian government's intransigence and the institutional inexperience of regional bodies as primary obstacles. The author recommends a strategic overhaul that leverages comparative institutional strengths, improves evidence-based research, and ensures international access to the country to prevent mass atrocities.

The document analyzes the engagement of China, Japan, and India in East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, highlighting the strategic importance of maritime ports and transport corridors. It details significant infrastructure projects, such as the LAPSSET Corridor and the Mombasa port upgrades, while noting a persistent trade imbalance where East African nations export raw materials and import high-value finished goods. The author argues that while these investments offer growth opportunities, they require improved governance to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.

The document examines the risks Colombia faces as a major coal exporter amid falling global demand and the rise of renewables. It highlights the extreme vulnerability of the Cesar and La Guajira departments, where coal is a dominant driver of regional GDP and employment. The brief argues that Colombia currently lacks a formal national or regional plan for a post-coal transition, leaving it susceptible to economic instability, unemployment, and social unrest. It recommends long-term planning led by the DNP and UPME, diversification into agriculture and tourism, and the implementation of a 'just transition' framework to protect workers and the environment.

The document argues that the US is losing its leadership in energy storage to countries like China and requires strategic federal RD&D to overcome private sector investment gaps. It identifies critical research priorities—including long-duration storage, systems integration, and cost reduction—and recommends a diverse portfolio of high-risk research, expanded public-private partnerships, and the creation of a federal energy storage roadmap.

The document argues that Guinea-Bissau requires comprehensive institutional reforms to prevent political blockages and ensure stability. Key recommendations include revising the Constitution to clarify the powers of the President and Prime Minister, strengthening the National Electoral Commission, updating the 1991 Framework Law on Political Parties to increase transparency and gender representation, restarting the Justice Reform Programme (2015–2019), and relaunching dialogue on defence and security sector reform (DSSR).

The document examines the intersection of community livelihoods and biodiversity conservation in the Quirimbas National Park (QNP), Mozambique. It highlights the vulnerability of coastal communities to climate shocks and the mixed success of past livelihood projects, which often failed due to a lack of sustainability strategies or failure to account for socio-economic contexts. The author argues for a systems approach that integrates community-led monitoring, sustainable resource use techniques—such as temporary octopus fishery closures—and improved access to finance through Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs).

The document highlights the gap between the resources required for African countries to meet their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and the available public finance, arguing that private sector funding is essential. It focuses on financial instruments in Sub-Saharan Africa, including those backed by the UNFCCC and a specific national programme in South Africa, to explore how the public sector can most efficiently incentivise private investment in mitigation and adaptation.

The policy brief examines the decline of human rights as a cornerstone of South African foreign policy, contrasting the country's strong domestic human rights framework with its controversial voting record at the UN Security Council and UN Human Rights Council. The author contends that this 'de-norming' undermines South Africa's role as a bridge-builder and normative leader in Africa and the Global South. To reverse this trend, the document recommends a three-point action plan: reconceptualising human rights diplomacy through a national 'indaba', strengthening bilateral ties with human rights-promoting nations, and increasing civil society pressure for government accountability.

The document argues that strategic communications—tailoring messages for priority audiences and using appropriate channels—are essential for government engagement with stakeholders during the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process. This approach ensures citizen views are reflected in prioritized adaptation actions and encourages stakeholder involvement in implementation and monitoring and evaluation (M&E).

The document analyzes the gap between the inclusion of gender stipulations in the 2016 Colombian Final Peace Agreement and their actual implementation. Using data from the Peace Accords Matrix Barometer Initiative, it finds that gender-related stipulations are significantly less likely to be implemented than non-gender stipulations. The brief attributes this disparity to low institutional capacity, sequencing priorities, and existing power hierarchies, while emphasizing the need for targeted political and economic support to ensure a peace that benefits both men and women.

The document examines Resource-for-Infrastructure (RFI) agreements, which allow resource-rich but credit-constrained developing countries to secure infrastructure funding by securitizing future mineral or oil revenues. Using the Sicomines deal in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a case study, the author highlights the benefits of rapid investment and reduced embezzlement risks, while warning against high costs, poor quality, and a lack of transparency. The brief recommends increasing supply-side competition, implementing third-party quality controls, and adopting conservative risk calculations to improve the outcomes of such deals.