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A September 2023 briefing by Global Energy Monitor analyzing the renewable energy transition in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It highlights a significant increase in operational and prospective solar and wind capacity, while noting a heavy reliance on fossil fuels for electricity and a strategic pivot toward high-risk green hydrogen exports over domestic decarbonization.

This special edition of the Peace & Security Council Report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the resurgence of military coups and unconstitutional changes of government (UCGs) in Africa, specifically focusing on a 'third wave' since 2019. The report analyzes the drivers of these coups, the role of 'constitutional coups' (manipulating term limits), the impact of civil-military relations, and the effectiveness of African Union (AU) and regional sanctions.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs outlines strategies to strengthen Africa's digital infrastructure to enhance economic resilience. It identifies critical gaps in both 'hard' infrastructure (power and broadband) and 'soft' infrastructure (digital ID and payment systems) and proposes a coordinated continental approach through the African Union and the AfCFTA to reduce fragmentation and attract investment.

This research paper examines the evolution of multilateralism through the lens of relations between the European Union (EU) and the BRICS grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), particularly against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The author argues that a 'structural disjuncture' exists between the EU's preference for bilateral strategic partnerships and BRICS' pursuit of an inclusive, South-South multilateral model that challenges Western-led global governance and economic norms.

This policy brief defines transboundary climate risks (TCRs) as risks that cascade across borders due to climate change or the actions taken to mitigate and adapt to it. Focusing on Africa, the document categorizes these risks into biophysical, financial, trade, people-centred, and geopolitical domains. It highlights how TCRs can jeopardize food security, debt stability, and energy generation (particularly hydropower), urging greater cooperation between the African Union, regional economic communities, and Member States.

This policy brief examines the vulnerability of Africa to transboundary and cascading climate risks, where climate impacts in one country affect others through trade, finance, migration, and shared ecosystems. It discusses the role of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) in managing these risks and provides recommendations for the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) to seek support via UNFCCC processes.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs provides recommendations for African Union (AU) member states to develop a comprehensive e-commerce blueprint within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It emphasizes the need for a unified African position in international negotiations, a proactive strategy for digital taxation, and the harmonisation of fragmented regional regulations to avoid Africa becoming a 'rule taker' in the global digital economy.

This text examines the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on developing countries, with a specific focus on the challenges faced by African nations regarding fiscal stability, healthcare access, and vaccination rates.

This policy brief examines how the BRICS bloc can support the digitisation of African agriculture to drive economic growth. It highlights the potential for investment through the New Development Bank, knowledge transfer from BRICS members' digital agricultural reforms, and the role of South Africa's 2023 BRICS chair to advance continental goals like Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA.

This research paper examines the evolving geopolitics of mineral supply chains, specifically how industrialised states are seeking to reduce dependencies on certain countries following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It focuses on the potential for African economies to benefit from this restructuring as the global transition to renewable energy increases the demand for critical minerals.

This report provides recommendations for the implementation and operation of the international Loss and Damage (L&D) fund, focusing on the needs and priorities of intended recipients and beneficiaries in the Global South.

FSD Africa presents a framework to help countries, particularly in Africa, develop national nature strategies. These strategies are intended to mitigate economic risks from nature loss, align with international commitments like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and improve climate outcomes. The framework is structured around four components: baseline and ambition, initiatives, instruments, and governance and implementation.

This policy brief examines the intersection between UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540, which mandates the prevention of chemical, biological, and nuclear (CBN) weapons proliferation to non-State actors, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. It aims to identify policy options to ensure that the removal of trade barriers under the AfCFTA does not increase proliferation risks, while ensuring that non-proliferation controls enable secure and predictable economic development in Africa.

This report by the Africa Policy Research Institute examines the potential impacts of the G7 Climate Club on African countries. While acknowledging the goal of achieving global net-zero emissions by mid-century, the author argues that the Club's current design—particularly its focus on rapid decarbonisation and carbon-leakage reduction—could undermine African economic growth, energy security, and industrialisation. The report calls for a co-designed approach that prioritises climate justice, technological transfer, and financial support over trade-based sanctions.

This policy brief examines the barriers to inclusive clean energy transitions in low-income economies, emphasizing that without intentional policy design, these transitions risk reinforcing existing socioeconomic and gender inequalities. It highlights significant financing gaps, implementation barriers, and the systemic marginalization of women, while providing recommendations for the G20 to facilitate knowledge sharing and innovative financing to support vulnerable populations.

The July 2023 Peace & Security Council Report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the outcomes of the fifth mid-year coordination meeting between the African Union (AU) and regional economic communities (RECs). It highlights systemic coordination failures in peace-making, the challenges of AU institutional reforms, and the potential of new initiatives like the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT) to deter unconstitutional changes of government. The report also discusses the security vacuum created by the withdrawal of the UN mission (MINUSMA) from Mali.

This statement from the African Center for Economic Transformation evaluates the outcomes of the Paris summit for a new global financial pact, highlighting the emergence of a unified African voice and a broader global coalition calling for the reform of an international financial architecture that is deemed unfit for current overlapping crises.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs outlines the systemic challenges facing food production in Africa and proposes specific interventions for the G20 to help the continent avoid missing the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and AU Agenda 2063 targets.

This policy brief abstract discusses the conflict between global climate goals established by the 2015 Paris Agreement and the pursuit of natural gas development in Africa to address the continent's low energy access and drive economic development.

This research paper by the Africa Policy Research Institute examines the limited developmental impact of tourism on local African economies, arguing that the industry often functions as an extractive force. Using Zanzibar as a primary case study, the author illustrates how foreign ownership, 'enclave tourism', and economic leakages prevent local communities from benefiting from industry growth.