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This research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development analyzes the state of World Trade Organization (WTO) agriculture negotiations ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). It outlines persistent disagreements over domestic support, public stockholding, and market access, while identifying three specific areas where progress could be made for least developed countries (LDCs): reducing cotton subsidies, improving market access for cotton products, and securing exemptions from export restrictions.

The February 2026 Peace & Security Council Report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the declining influence of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), the gap between AU normative frameworks and electoral realities, the limited impact of informal consultations on post-coup transitions, and the critical economic necessity of improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure across Africa.

This research paper examines the increasing flow of foreign direct investment from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—specifically the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar—into Africa. It details how these states are leveraging Africa's renewable energy potential and mineral resources to diversify their own hydrocarbon-dependent economies and secure food supply chains, while providing Africa with an alternative to Western and Chinese financing to address its infrastructure gap.

This research paper argues that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should adopt a forward-looking transitional justice framework for climate governance to address structural inequities and gender-based vulnerabilities. The author proposes that by institutionalising justice through regional mechanisms—such as a gender-responsive minerals strategy and a dedicated adaptation fund for women—ECOWAS can ensure a just energy transition and climate resilience that is independent of the instability of global climate finance and multilateral agreements.

This research paper by the Africa Policy Research Institute critically examines the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), arguing that its perceived success in promoting democracy was based on a narrow focus on elections while ignoring broader governance failures. The author contends that ECOWAS's tendency to defer to the interests of heads of state has led to a loss of legitimacy among citizens, contributing to a wave of coups since 2020 and the subsequent formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

This research paper argues that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must move beyond superficial gender equality measures toward a substantive feminist approach to peace and security. It suggests that integrating intersectional analysis, collaborating with grassroots women-led organisations, and reforming the security sector to be accountable to all populations are essential to addressing the root causes of conflict in West Africa.

This research paper examines the implementation, achievements, and challenges of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) free movement protocols. It analyzes the impact of geopolitical fragmentation, security threats, and protectionist policies on regional integration, while discussing the implications of the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

This research paper argues for the creation of a region-wide vaccine certification and verification system within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It proposes linking digital health passports to foundational digital IDs to prevent the border closures and economic disruptions seen during the Ebola epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic, drawing on successful models from the EU and ASEAN.

This research paper argues that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must align its pursuit of economic structural transformation with economic sovereignty to regain credibility among its citizens. It highlights the region's potential to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in critical minerals and renewable energy while warning that overdependence on external funding and fragmented infrastructure hinder sustainable growth.

This research paper examines the strategic coordination between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) within the context of shifting global peacekeeping dynamics and the drawdown of United Nations (UN) operations in West Africa. It argues for a formalised division of labour and stronger alignment between the regional and continental bodies to improve the effectiveness of African-led peace operations and secure sustainable UN funding.

This research paper analyzes the evolution of Nigeria's climate policy and governance, highlighting a persistent struggle with institutional fragmentation and the misalignment of petroleum policies with climate goals. It examines the transition through four 'policy moments,' the impact of International Oil Company (IOC) divestments, and the recent centralization of climate authority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the creation of the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate (OSPEC) and the Presidential Climate Action Committee (PCAC).

This research paper analyzes Nigeria's climate policy and diplomacy, arguing that while the country has established a comprehensive policy architecture, its effectiveness is severely hampered by institutional fragmentation, inter-ministerial competition, and a lack of elite consensus. The author examines the shift toward centralized governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the challenges of aligning domestic petroleum interests with global energy transition goals.

This policy brief by the Africa Policy Research Institute examines how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can be leveraged to combat youth unemployment by promoting greentech and Indigenous environmental practices. It argues that shifting from importing green goods to local manufacturing and trading within Africa can create millions of sustainable jobs, particularly in renewable energy, while integrating traditional knowledge to ensure inclusive development.

This policy brief outlines priorities for South Africa's G20 presidency to mainstream crop insurance as a tool for climate resilience in Africa. It evaluates the evolution of insurance models—from multi-peril to index-based and digital solutions—and recommends that the G20 promote high-quality, inclusive products, holistic risk management, and evidence-based subsidy frameworks to support smallholder farmers.

The International Youth Day Solidarity Statement 2025, issued by the Youth For Tax Justice Network (YTJN) and the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD), advocates for global tax and debt justice to support Africa's youth population. The statement highlights the contradiction between high youth entrepreneurship and a lack of decent employment, arguing that unsustainable sovereign debt and tax abuse divert essential funding from education, healthcare, and climate resilience.

This IISD report examines the challenges and opportunities for consumer protection in the e-commerce sector of developing countries. It highlights a significant gap in legislative frameworks and enforcement capacity, particularly in LDCs, and analyzes how regional and multilateral trade agreements (like the WTO JSI and AfCFTA) are attempting to standardize protections against fraud and data misuse. The report recommends that developing countries leverage digital technologies, trade agreement commitments, and international cooperation to modernize their consumer protection systems.

This research paper evaluates the partnership between Germany and African nations regarding agrifood systems transformation. It identifies a predominant reliance on aid-based cooperation and recommends a strategic shift toward private sector-led investment, trade promotion, and the development of regional agricultural value chains to enhance food security and economic growth.

This research paper examines Turkey's strategic efforts to secure critical raw materials (CRMs) in Africa to support its domestic industrial goals in defence, electric vehicles, and renewables. It analyzes Turkey's diverse engagement modalities—ranging from direct extraction to integrated industrial hubs and security-linked partnerships—and proposes a trilateral cooperation framework involving the European Union (EU) and African nations to align standards and enhance supply chain resilience.

The May 2025 Peace & Security Council Report examines escalating tensions between Algeria and Mali, the institutional challenges of AU-ECOWAS collaboration, the rise of 'lawfare' to undermine democracy in Africa, and the role of illicit economies in fueling Sahelian extremism.

An address by Dirco Deputy Minister Alvin Botes detailing South Africa's strategic foreign policy approach amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape. The speech emphasizes non-alignment, the role of multilateralism through BRICS+ and the G20, and the necessity of addressing regional security and climate change to protect national interests.