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The report assesses the transition of former UNITA soldiers into civilian life following the 2002 Luena Memorandum of Understanding. Through surveys of 603 ex-combatants, it finds that while most feel welcomed by their communities and intend to participate in democratic elections, significant challenges remain. Economic vulnerability is high, with a heavy reliance on humanitarian food aid and a lack of formal employment due to low education levels. The study highlights a persistent 'demobilised' identity among many, particularly those of higher military rank or those without land access. It argues that reintegration is deeply tied to land ownership, family networks, and the influence of traditional authorities (Sobas), while noting that the vulnerability of ex-combatants is largely similar to that of other displaced populations in Angola.

The study finds that youth bulges significantly increase the risk of domestic armed conflict, particularly when combined with economic stagnation. Using a dataset of sovereign states and dependent areas from 1950 to 2000, the author argues that the risk is heightened in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab world where youth bulges coexist with poor economic performance and unstable political regimes. The research rejects Samuel P. Huntington's theory of a specific 'critical level' threshold for conflict and suggests that previous World Bank studies failed to find these effects due to flawed measurement methods. Additionally, the author identifies migration as a critical 'safety valve' that can mitigate youth discontent.

The report examines the financial lives of refugees in Uganda, focusing on the settlements of Nakivale, Bidibidi, Palorinya, and the capital, Kampala. It highlights a significant shift from regular employment to self-employment, with the share of refugees in regular jobs dropping from 25% in their home countries to 6% in Uganda. The average monthly income for refugees is 160,000 UGX, with Kampala having the highest median (205,000 UGX) and Palorinya the lowest (90,417 UGX). The study notes a strong adoption of new financial tools, specifically mobile money (increasing from 7% to 30%) and Accumulating Savings and Credit Associations (ASCAs). Women have shown significant economic progress, with their median monthly earnings nearly tripling from 46,000 UGX to 130,000 UGX. The report also identifies critical vulnerabilities, such as the high cost of charcoal and limited access to medical care, with 20% of refugees unable to afford necessary doctors or medicine.

This research paper examines the contribution of Chinese construction enterprises to local skill development in Ghana, comparing them with other foreign and local firms. Using 2016 survey data from 12 enterprises, the study finds that Chinese firms contribute positively to both short-term general and long-term specific training for local workers, often at higher rates than other foreign firms. However, structural challenges such as low technical education quality, low employee retention, and communication barriers hinder the effectiveness of skill transfer.