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This study by the International Institute for Sustainable Development explores the potential for 'policy crediting'—crediting emission reductions resulting from policy actions—to enhance the impact of energy pricing reform and carbon pricing policies, particularly in developing countries.

The 'GREEN FINANCE: GREEN BOND DIRECTIONS COP22 Highlights' report by the Climate Bonds Initiative details the rapid growth of the green bond market in 2016, emphasizing its role in funding climate mitigation and adaptation to meet Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). It highlights the shift toward private sector issuance, the emergence of China as a dominant market, and the necessity of reaching USD 1 trillion in annual issuance by 2020 to substantively address climate change.

This research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) analyzes the use of fiscal instruments within Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) submitted to the UNFCCC by November 20, 2015. The review identifies trends in how countries employ fossil fuel subsidy reform (FFSR), clean energy subsidies, and carbon pricing to support low-carbon development and GHG mitigation.

A report by IISD and the Nordic Council of Ministers finds that removing fossil fuel subsidies in 20 countries could reduce national emissions by an average of 11% by 2020, increasing to 18% if 30% of savings are reinvested in renewable energy and efficiency. It references 2013 IEA data estimating fossil fuel consumption subsidies at US$550 billion and includes case studies from the Philippines, Morocco, and Jordan.

This report by Dalberg Global Development Advisors, commissioned by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), evaluates the resource mobilisation strategies and sustainability of National Climate Change Funds (NCCFs). It defines NCCFs as national-level entities that collect and channel climate finance to mitigation and adaptation projects. The report identifies significant funding gaps in developing countries, analyzes the performance of 13 operational NCCFs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and provides a best-practice handbook for NCCFs to define their vision, build institutional capacity, and engage investors.

This research paper by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) provides lessons learned from supporting nine developing countries in the preparation of their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) for the UNFCCC. It emphasizes that INDCs should be treated as political statements of ambition rather than purely technical exercises, highlighting the need for inclusive consultation, alignment with national development goals, and clear implementation plans to attract international support.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines the African Union's (AU) adoption of the Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection. It argues that while the convention is a positive step, African states face significant hurdles in ratification and implementation due to capacity gaps, free speech concerns, and the global nature of cybercrime.

This case study by the Climate Policy Initiative examines the trajectory of Spain's concentrated solar power (CSP) industry, detailing how initial successful incentives led to rapid deployment and innovation, followed by a collapse in investor confidence due to retroactive policy changes and a lack of cost-control mechanisms.

This research paper by Ivan Crouzel, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in August 2014, examines the relationship between electoral processes and political instability in Africa. It argues that elections often become critical moments of tension because they are primarily viewed as a means of accessing state resources. The author advocates for a shift from purely technical electoral support to a broader approach based on inclusive political settlements, multi-actor dialogue, and the strengthening of credible electoral management bodies and domestic observation networks to ensure legitimacy and peace.

This research paper by Ivan Crouzel for the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the relationship between electoral processes and political instability in Africa. It argues that elections often crystallise tensions because they are viewed as the primary means of accessing state-owned resources, leading to acute competition in fragile regimes. The author contends that technical electoral support is insufficient and must be replaced by a broader democratic governance approach that prioritises inclusive political agreements, credible election management bodies (EMBs), and multi-stakeholder conflict prevention mechanisms.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) analyzes the 2014 South African Defence Review. It describes the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as being in a state of critical decline and evaluates the financial feasibility of the government's long-term plan to rejuvenate the military by 2034. The author argues that the review's expansive mandate is out of step with the available budget and suggests a more focused approach centered on peacekeeping and a 'growth core' concept.

This policy brief examines Africa's role in the international nuclear security framework, specifically in the context of the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague. It argues for the development of a continental nuclear security framework to ensure that international measures address real regional threats without hindering the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

This report, prepared by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), distils the findings of the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report specifically for African decision-makers. It details the observed and projected climate changes across the continent, the resulting risks to food security, health, and economic growth, and the opportunities for adaptation and low-carbon development.

This briefing, based on a 2014 workshop in Nairobi, examines the potential for low-carbon energy options to expand energy access in Africa. It discusses the financial requirements for universal access, the barriers to adopting renewables, and the potential for low-carbon solutions to align with broader development goals such as health, employment, and national energy sovereignty.

This report summarizes an expert workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya, on April 10-11, 2014, organized by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA). The workshop, part of the New Climate Economy project, examined the synergies and trade-offs between expanding modern energy access and mitigating climate change, focusing primarily on the African context.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines the role of African states in the international nuclear security agenda, specifically in the context of the Nuclear Security Summit process and the 2013 IAEA International Conference on Nuclear Security. It argues for increased African engagement and cooperation to balance the peaceful use of nuclear technology with security requirements.

This research paper analyzes the evolution of Senegal's foreign policy from 2000 to 2013, focusing on the transition from the administration of President Abdoulaye Wade to that of President Macky Sall. It examines the shift toward 'technicization' and economic diplomacy, the concentration of power within the executive branch, and the influence of pan-Africanism.

This research paper analyzes the foreign policy of Senegal from 2000 to 2013, highlighting a shift from traditional diplomacy to a technical, economy-driven approach under President Abdoulaye Wade. It details the concentration of diplomatic power in the presidency, the marginalization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the legislature, and the pursuit of South-South cooperation with emerging powers like China and Dubai. The paper concludes that the 2012 election of President Macky Sall marked a return to more classical diplomacy, prioritizing relations with France and neighboring states.

This fact sheet describes a 2013-2014 Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) project designed to analyze the risks associated with the "new fossil fuel economy," specifically new investments in extraction and trade infrastructure. The project aims to develop tools for supply-side GHG accounting and policy responses to prevent these investments from undermining climate stabilization and sustainable development goals.

This 2012 report by the Climate Policy Initiative examines how public policies and financial injections can mitigate risks to attract private investment in green infrastructure. Through case studies in the UK, Tunisia, and Morocco, it argues that well-articulated policies and innovative risk-mitigation instruments (like first-loss protection and policy risk insurance) are essential to overcome the inertia of 'plain vanilla finance.' The report highlights the critical role of National Development Banks in emerging economies, noting that China, Brazil, and India were the largest recipients of mitigation-directed climate finance in 2011.