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This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes trends in stability and armed conflict in Africa, highlighting the role of state-based violence, organized crime, and rapid urbanization in driving fatality rates.

This research paper outlines the 'Demographics and Health Scenario' for Africa, a model designed to accelerate the continent's demographic transition and enhance its demographic dividend through targeted interventions in fertility, mortality, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies details the progress and structure of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) negotiations, including the three phases of legal protocols, tariff liberalisation targets, and the implementation of supporting systems like the Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the projected economic and social impacts of a 'Manufacturing scenario' for Africa between 2023 and 2043. The scenario forecasts that a strategic push toward industrialization will drive structural economic transformation, increase GDP, generate millions of jobs, and reduce extreme poverty and income inequality across the continent.

This briefing note by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines how the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) can collaborate to reform global governance, specifically the UN Security Council (UNSC), amidst a period of systemic rupture and geopolitical fragmentation.

This briefing examines how the United States and Nigeria are repurposing civilian policy instruments, specifically the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and civil aviation frameworks, to establish security and surveillance capabilities. By integrating decommissioned U.S. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) equipment into Nigerian civilian infrastructure, the two nations are creating a "shared awareness" corridor that provides the functional capabilities of a virtual base without the political complications of formal military basing or treaties.

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 special report provides a scenario analysis (V, U, and L scenarios) of the impact of COVID-19 on Africa through 2030, focusing on economic indicators, extreme poverty, and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines the 'perfect storm' of climate change, violent extremism, and forced displacement in the Lake Chad Basin (LCB). It argues that climate change acts as a 'threat multiplier,' exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and providing fertile ground for insurgent groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP to recruit and extort populations. The document highlights a shift from the narrative of a shrinking lake to one of extreme weather variability, specifically catastrophic flooding, and provides institutional recommendations for the Lake Chad Basin Commission and national governments to enhance regional resilience.

This research paper examines Nigeria's natural gas sector and its potential to drive sustainable industrialization across Africa. It analyzes the 'Decade of Gas' (2021-2030) initiative, critical infrastructure projects, and the regulatory reforms needed to transition from a reliance on oil exports to a gas-powered economy that supports regional energy security and manufacturing.

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 by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines how Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)—comprising digital identity, payments, and data-sharing systems—can be used to reduce the shadow economy and improve domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) in Africa. It argues that while digital payments increase transaction visibility, they must be paired with structural reforms and strategic targeting of high-value tax evaders rather than vulnerable micro-vendors. The document highlights lessons from South Korea and India and suggests that South Africa use its 2025 G20 presidency to advocate for an 'Africa stack' and peer learning on DPI best practices.