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This research paper by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) identifies five critical success factors for increasing the climate resilience of water infrastructure. Based on a review of six projects across Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, the paper argues that resilience requires moving beyond engineering design to include strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and institutional capacity building to avoid 'stranded assets' and protect economic growth.

This research paper analyzes the German G20 presidency in 2017, focusing on Germany's strategic initiatives for Africa and the challenges posed by the United States' shift toward protectionism under President Donald Trump.

This report, based on opening remarks by Sam Bickersteth at a July 2017 conference, reviews the activities of the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) from 2010 to 2017. It evaluates the progress of 'climate compatible development'—the principle that climate action should not hinder poverty reduction—and identifies systemic gaps in institutional capability, finance, and the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in developing nations.

A letter from a coalition of civil society organizations to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board urging the adoption of a holistic approach to climate adaptation that recognizes the overlap between adaptation and traditional development activities.

This research paper by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) explores the concept of 'bankability' in the context of climate finance to help developing countries create project proposals that can successfully attract international funding. It argues that climate bankability extends beyond traditional financial returns to include socioeconomic and environmental impacts, and provides a checklist of determinants to guide project developers in aligning proposals with the requirements of multilateral funds like the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

This market scoping study by Nathan Associates for FSD Africa examines the agricultural equipment leasing landscape in eight sub-Saharan African countries. It identifies systemic market failures across supply, demand, support functions, and regulatory environments that hinder the growth of leasing as an alternative to traditional asset financing for farmers and SMEs.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the stalled implementation of the Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCISS) and evaluates how the African Union (AU) and other African actors can support sustainable peace. It analyzes the dynamics of the conflict, the role of regional mediation, and the potential of a proposed national dialogue to broaden political participation.

This policy brief examines the conflict between coal mining and biodiversity conservation in the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve in south-west Ethiopia. It discusses the socio-ecological impacts of extractive industries on wild Coffea arabica and local communities, arguing for a harmonised approach to sustainable resource management.

This research paper discusses the transition of leadership at the African Union Commission (AUC) following the election of Moussa Faki Mahamat as Chairperson on 30 January 2017. It analyzes the challenges facing the new chair, including the need for financial independence from international donors, the implementation of institutional reforms, and the management of peace and security crises across the continent.

This research paper examines the role of innovative risk finance, specifically insurance, in overcoming barriers to geothermal power development in Kenya and Ethiopia. It details a project by Parhelion, funded by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), which provided technical training to local stakeholders to increase the use of risk mitigation instruments and leverage private sector capital.

This 2017 report outlines Ethiopia's leadership in climate action, notably as the first Least Developed Country to submit an INDC. It details the country's vulnerability to climate events, its goal to reduce emissions to 145 Mt CO2eq by 2030, and the US$150 billion cost of its CRGE strategy. The document highlights CDKN's role in helping the Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation achieve accreditation for the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund, as well as efforts to green the industrial sector and develop geothermal risk insurance.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines the African Union's (AU) efforts to engage youth in democratic governance. It argues that while normative frameworks like the African Youth Charter and the African Governance Architecture–Youth Engagement Strategy (AGA–YES) exist, there is a significant gap between these theoretical rights and the practical reality for young Africans, who often face unemployment and political marginalisation.

This fact sheet from the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) outlines the evolution of China-Africa relations, tracing them from historical ties to contemporary economic, diplomatic, and security partnerships. It highlights the role of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the shift in China's approach from 'non-interference' to active engagement in peace and security, while noting the impact of China's 'new normal' economic slowdown on bilateral trade and investment.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates whether the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) can effectively monitor the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the authors identify strong normative and thematic alignment between the three initiatives, they argue that the APRM currently lacks the administrative capacity, funding, and technical rigor to handle the extensive monitoring responsibilities required.

This World Resources Institute working paper provides a four-step roadmap for landscape restoration projects to attract private investment between $500,000 and $10 million. It emphasizes the need for restoration leaders to adopt a commercial mindset, develop robust business plans, establish legal investable entities, and use pilot projects and performance metrics to reduce perceived risk for investors.

This report by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) synthesises seven years of experience in promoting 'climate compatible development'—an approach that integrates climate mitigation and adaptation with poverty eradication and human development. The document provides a framework for mainstreaming climate concerns into national macroeconomic planning, sectoral policies, and local governance, while emphasizing the necessity of political leadership, cross-government coordination, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. It details the financial challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, the role of 'knowledge brokers' in translating science for policy-makers, and the importance of gender-sensitive implementation to ensure equitable outcomes.

This guide describes ENACT (Enhancing Africa’s capacity to respond more effectively to transnational organised crime), a three-year European Union-funded programme implemented by the Institute for Security Studies, INTERPOL, and the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime. The project aims to mitigate the impact of transnational organised crime (TOC) on Africa's governance, security, and development through evidence-based analysis, capacity building for policymakers and law enforcement, and the creation of regional monitoring hubs.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines the gap between Africa's formal legal frameworks for freedom of movement and their actual implementation. While the African Union and various Regional Economic Communities have established treaties to leverage migration for development, national interests and securitized approaches often hinder progress, with West Africa currently serving as the continent's best practice model.

This policy brief, published by the Institute for Security Studies in 2017, analyzes Ethiopia's development trajectory toward 2030. Using the International Futures (IFs) forecasting system, the document evaluates the impact of various sectoral interventions—specifically in agriculture, education, health, and governance—on poverty, GDP per capita, and the Human Development Index (HDI). It argues that while Ethiopia has seen rapid growth and improvements in basic services since 1991, it still faces significant challenges in agricultural productivity, primary school completion, and domestic revenue mobilization. The brief recommends an 'Integrated Development Push' to accelerate the country's transition to lower-middle-income status.

This report analyzes the financing needs of enterprises providing decentralized electricity and clean cooking solutions (Tiers 1-3) in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, Myanmar, and Nigeria. It identifies a significant gap between current finance flows and the investment required to meet national energy access targets, highlighting systemic barriers such as high collateral requirements, currency volatility, and a lack of local currency debt.