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This policy brief explores the potential for a 'Green Revolution' in Africa, using the International Futures (IFs) model to compare scenarios of agricultural intensification. The authors argue that while aggressive policy interventions could make Africa a net food exporter and significantly boost GDP, such production increases must be coupled with social policies to ensure food access for the poor and improvements in water and sanitation to realize human development gains.

The Clarification Note and Applicant Guidelines for Round 2 of the CDKN Innovation Fund outline the requirements for funding 'game-changing' project ideas focused on climate compatible development (CCD) in Africa. The fund supports an initial innovation process of up to 6 months to develop project proposals and other outputs, with potential subsequent funding for implementation.

This research paper evaluates the first ten years of the African Union (AU), contrasting its developmental mandate with the decolonisation focus of its predecessor, the OAU. It examines the AU's progress in governance, institutional infrastructure, and peacekeeping, while highlighting a loss of momentum in conflict resolution and a gap between ambitious goals and structural realities.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the process of establishing a multistakeholder Internet public policy dialogue in Togo. It details the country's ICT landscape, the methodology used for public consultations between 2010 and 2011, and the resulting policy needs, emphasizing the gap between infrastructure growth and the lack of formal national ICT policy.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the draft South African Defence Review 2012, concluding that it is unrealistic due to a lack of fiscal planning and an overly rigid 30-year vision. The author argues that the draft fails to prioritize short-term operational needs, contradicts its own collaborative security goals by emphasizing autonomous defence, and ignores critical gender mainstreaming requirements.

This chapter from the GEO-5 report analyzes the state of the global atmosphere, highlighting that while ozone depletion and lead in petrol have been successfully addressed, climate change remains the most critical issue. Greenhouse gas concentrations are currently on track to exceed the 2°C warming limit, with a significant gap remaining between emission pledges and necessary targets. The report notes mixed progress in air quality, with high particulate matter levels persisting in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and advocates for an integrated policy approach to address climate change, air quality, and ozone depletion simultaneously.

This report is the first joint product of the Southern Voices capacity building programme, featuring contributions from over 20 climate networks and their member organisations regarding their experiences with climate change advocacy.

This research paper analyzes South Africa's voting patterns and foreign policy achievements during its first (2007-2008) and second (2011-2012) terms as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The author assesses the country's progress toward its 'African Agenda,' including goals of South-South and North-South cooperation and the pursuit of permanent African representation on the Council.

This research paper analyzes South Africa's voting patterns and foreign policy achievements during its first (2007-2008) and second (2011-2012) terms as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC). The author finds that South Africa has become more confident, increasing its co-sponsorship of resolutions and successfully promoting its 'African Agenda,' particularly regarding cooperation between the UNSC and the African Union (AU).

This report presents the results of a three-year investigation into the triple bottom line (TBL) performance of 1,337 small, medium-sized and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in developing countries. Conducted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) for the SEED Initiative, the study analyzes the social, environmental, and business targets of these enterprises across three cohorts of applicants. It highlights the critical role of technology, skills training, and research partnerships in the 'green economy,' while identifying significant barriers such as lack of financing, inadequate local environmental enforcement, and gender-based disparities in business management capacity.

This policy brief, produced by Energeia and supported by CDKN and Fundacion Futuro LatinoAmericano, analyzes the outcomes of the COP17 meeting in Durban (December 2011) and the resulting Durban Platform for Enhanced Action, focusing on the role and future strategy of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries.

This research paper by the Stockholm Environment Institute uses the Climate and Regional Economics of Development (CRED) model to analyze the gap between current climate-economic policy recommendations and the emission reductions required to limit global warming to 2°C. The authors argue that conventional models, such as DICE, often underestimate climate damages and ignore international equity and the needs of future generations. By incorporating updated science, lower discount rates, and cross-regional investments from rich to poor countries, the CRED Optimal scenario demonstrates that it is possible to achieve a high probability of staying below 2°C while simultaneously reducing global income inequality.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies uses the International Futures (IFs) forecasting model to analyze the projected rise in road traffic fatalities in Africa through 2050. It argues that road safety is a critical development issue, as rapid motorization often outpaces infrastructure and regulatory improvements. The document compares a 'base case' forecast with an 'improved scenario' where African countries stabilize death rates at current continental averages, demonstrating that aggressive road safety interventions could save millions of lives and provide a significant boost to the continent's GDP.

This research paper argues that South Africa should lead a campaign to nominate a qualified African candidate for the presidency of the World Bank to challenge the historical precedent of American appointments and advocate for global economic governance reform.

This seminar report, compiled by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), documents a March 2012 meeting in Kampala, Uganda. The event brought together 44 delegates to discuss the governance of Africa's natural resources, focusing on oil, mining, and renewable resources (land, forestry, and fisheries). The report highlights the tension between the potential for wealth generation and the risks of corruption, conflict, and 'elite capture', while emphasizing the need for transparency, local community inclusion, and African-led research and policy solutions.

This report documents a study group session held on 12 March 2012, organized by the South African Institute of International Affairs and the International Development Law Unit at the University of Pretoria. The session focused on South Africa's strategic approach to its membership in the BRICS group, analyzing the value-add of the alliance to South Africa's economic priorities and discussing challenges related to global economic governance, trade imbalances, and internal inequality within the BRICS nations.

A report describing the potential for sugar cane bioenergy to enhance rural livelihoods, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy security and economic competitiveness in Southern and Eastern Africa.

This book chapter examines the role of investment and financing in the sugar cane-based bioenergy sector in Africa, noting that while sugar cane has a long history in the region, energy-specific investments have historically been limited but are increasing due to climate change, energy security, and rural development concerns.

The document describes a report on the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to climate change adaptation in Africa. It outlines an analytical framework for adaptation interventions—addressing vulnerability, building response capacity, managing risks, and confronting climate change—and draws on case studies from Senegal, Malawi, and Uganda to suggest policy and practical interventions.

This research paper by Trudi Hartzenberg for the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the intersection of trade, investment, and competition policy in South Africa. It analyzes how South Africa balances the need for foreign direct investment (FDI) and global trade integration with domestic development goals, particularly employment creation. The paper details the evolution of South Africa's competition regime, the role of the Competition Act of 1998, and the complexities of managing cross-border mergers, using the Walmart-Massmart transaction as a primary case study.