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This report provides a conclusion and a set of policy recommendations for Niger's development, outlining a path to transition from extreme poverty and political instability toward inclusive growth by leveraging its youthful population and natural resources.

This introductory report provides an overview of Niger's geographic, political, and socio-economic landscape, detailing its transition from a democratic state to a military-led government following a coup in July 2023. It highlights the country's reliance on natural resources, its vulnerability to climate change, and its recent strategic shift away from Western security partnerships toward new regional alliances and partners such as Russia and China.

This introductory report provides a geographic, demographic, and socio-economic overview of Libya, detailing its status as an upper-middle-income country heavily dependent on oil reserves and currently experiencing political fragmentation and institutional instability.

This introductory report provides a geographic, environmental, and political overview of Mali, detailing its climate challenges, history of military coups, and shifting international alliances, including its withdrawal from ECOWAS to form the Confederation of Sahel States.

This introductory report provides an overview of the Republic of Chad, detailing its geography, political history from independence in 1960 to the 2024 presidency of Mahamat Idriss Déby, and its socioeconomic challenges despite possessing gold, uranium, and oil resources.

This research paper provides an introductory overview of Burkina Faso, detailing its political instability, the severe impact of terrorism and jihadi violence, its shifting international alliances, and its economic challenges as a low-income, landlocked nation.

The Demographics and Health Scenario is a research paper that models the potential impact of accelerated fertility decline and health infrastructure improvements across Africa. It outlines a series of ambitious but empirically grounded interventions starting in 2027 to enhance human development and economic growth relative to a 'Current Path' forecast.

This research paper provides an introduction to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), detailing its founding mandate, member state composition, natural resource endowments, and the current geopolitical and developmental challenges facing the region.

This research paper provides a comprehensive geographic, political, and socio-economic introduction to Africa, detailing its physical landscape, colonial history, administrative structures, and immense cultural and linguistic diversity.

The report explores how Africa can 'leapfrog' traditional development stages by adopting decentralised renewable energy, mobile-first digital infrastructure, and AI. It highlights the success of mobile money (e.g., M-Pesa) and the potential for solar mini-grids to close the energy gap. A projected 'Large Infrastructure and Leapfrogging' scenario suggests that by 2050, such strategic investments could increase GDP per capita by US$510, reduce extreme poverty by 63 million people, and expand the overall economy by nearly US$1 trillion compared to current trends.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the role of mobile technology and broadband in Africa's technological leapfrogging. It details the shift from fixed-line to mobile networks, the impact of mobile broadband on poverty reduction, and the emergence of satellite internet solutions to bridge connectivity gaps in remote areas.

This research paper analyzes the rapid growth and tactical evolution of the Islamic State–Sahel Province (IS-SP) between 2019 and 2026. It details how IS-SP has transitioned from a small affiliate to a deadly regional force through structural governance, tactical innovations—including the first use of drones in Niger—and increased strategic guidance from IS Core. The document highlights the collapse of regional security architectures and the escalating rivalry between IS-SP and the al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM as primary drivers of instability in the Sahel.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the collapse of multilateralism in the Sahel, focusing on how military coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have led to the formation of the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES) and a strategic pivot away from Western-led institutions toward partners like Russia and China.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies argues that the election of Romuald Wadagni as president of Benin on 12 April 2026 provides a strategic opportunity to reset diplomatic relations with Niger and reduce regional tensions. The authors suggest that the African Union (AU), specifically through the AU Mission for Mali and the Sahel, is best positioned to facilitate this dialogue to address security and economic liabilities resulting from the current impasse.

This research paper conclusion argues that African nations must prioritize domestic food security, smallholder farming, and sustainable practices over international exports to drive economic growth and reduce poverty. It emphasizes the role of AgTech, irrigation, and political leadership in overcoming systemic barriers such as credit scarcity and climate change risks.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies examines gender discrimination within the family sphere in Africa, focusing on child marriage, the unequal distribution of unpaid care and domestic work, and disparities in divorce and inheritance rights.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies examines the systemic poor quality of education in Africa, highlighting a significant gap in learning outcomes compared to global averages and the critical role of early childhood development and systemic governance in improving economic growth.

This research paper analyzes the potential economic and social impacts of reducing gender gaps in education and labor force participation across Africa by 2043. It compares a 'Gender scenario' against a 'Current Path' forecast, finding that aggressive reductions in gender inequality would significantly increase GDP, raise GDP per capita, reduce extreme poverty, and improve child health and human development indices across the continent.

A policy brief detailing the rapid expansion of the Islamic State–Sahel Province (IS-SP) between 2019 and 2026. It highlights a significant increase in manpower, the adoption of structured governance in Mali, and the first use of combat drones in a January 2026 attack on Niamey's airport. The report attributes this growth to the collapse of regional security following coups in the Sahel, rivalry with al-Qaeda's JNIM, and strategic guidance from IS Core.

This research paper examines the implementation challenges of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), focusing on the economic disparities between member states and the resulting risks for Least Developed Countries (LDCs).