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This research paper examines the systemic gaps in disability inclusion within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) frameworks for peace, security, and development. It argues that while a Regional Action Plan exists, it is underfunded and isolated from core strategic pillars, leaving persons with disabilities (PWDs) vulnerable during crises and excluded from regional governance.

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 policy brief argues that South Africa's 2025 G20 presidency provides a strategic opportunity to integrate subnational governments into the global climate and environmental agenda. It highlights the role of municipalities as frontline implementers of climate adaptation, mitigation, and biodiversity goals, while identifying systemic financial and capacity barriers that hinder their effectiveness in Africa and the Global South.

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.

This report by Ember analyses Chinese customs data to demonstrate a significant increase in solar panel imports into Africa in the 12 months leading up to June 2025. The analysis suggests a structural trend toward increased solar adoption across the continent, potentially driven by distributed solar, which could significantly expand electricity supply and reduce reliance on imported diesel.

This report by the African Future Policies Hub analyzes whether carbon credits generated under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement should be eligible for deduction from liabilities under the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). It argues that allowing such credits would mitigate the negative economic impact of the CBAM on African exporters, retain climate finance within African borders, and provide policy flexibility to host governments, while proposing specific design measures to prevent carbon leakage and ensure credit integrity.

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.

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.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs advocates for global participation in the Global Solidarity Levy Task Force (GSLTF) to mobilize finance for climate action and sustainable development. It outlines 16 proposed tax options targeting undertaxed, high-emission sectors to address a significant global financing gap, urging developing countries to engage in the design and assessment of these levies to ensure equitable access to funds.

This report provides an economic valuation of the new phase of the "Freetown the Treetown" initiative in Freetown, Sierra Leone, which uses nature-based infrastructure (NBI) to combat deforestation and climate change. The assessment evaluates two planting scenarios to determine the societal and financial returns of reforestation efforts aimed at reducing natural hazards and carbon emissions.

This research paper by Kholofelo Kugler and Tani Washington analyzes the impact of the Trump administration's 2025 tariff policies on African nations. It details the structure of the new tariffs, the specific vulnerabilities of countries like Lesotho and Madagascar, the potential advantages for Egypt and Kenya, and the precarious future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies and the Global Public Policy Institute argues that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is facing a profound legitimacy crisis following the January 2025 withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The authors contend that to survive and restore stability, ECOWAS must move beyond its original economic mandate and the current intergovernmental status quo toward deeper political integration and supranationalism.

This policy brief examines how African youth are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to decentralize peacebuilding, shift early warning systems toward data-driven analysis, and challenge traditional conflict narratives. While youth act as key knowledge creators, the document warns that digital divides, gender gaps, and underdeveloped policy frameworks risk marginalizing these contributions and reinforcing existing power hierarchies.

The Energizing Healthcare 2025 conference report details a two-day event focused on accelerating clean and reliable energy for healthcare facilities in low-resource settings. The report highlights a global energy access gap affecting 1 billion people and outlines the financial, technical, and coordination requirements needed to close this gap by 2030, emphasizing the transition from diesel to solar and the integration of energy into national climate and health planning.

The 2025 Global Forum, hosted by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and the Government of Barbados in Bridgetown, brought together over 1,300 participants to address energy poverty and the energy transition in the Global South and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The event resulted in the Barbados Declaration, the launch of several Energy Transition and Investment Plans (ETIPs), and the mobilization of over $500 million in new financial commitments for clean energy projects.

This report by the World Resources Institute evaluates the progress of major global climate commitments across energy, forestry, finance, food systems, urban action, transport, and super pollutants. It concludes that while ambitious pledges have been made, most are currently off-track, with significant gaps between stated goals and measurable implementation.

The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is a financial market infrastructure led by Afreximbank and supported by the AfCFTA Secretariat to enable instant cross-border payments across Africa using local currencies. It aims to reduce reliance on foreign currencies, lower transaction costs, and increase financial inclusion, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. While it has gained support from 13 African central banks and over 115 commercial banks as of May 2024, its widespread adoption is hindered by low awareness, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and inadequate digital infrastructure.

This policy brief examines China's dominant role in Africa's critical minerals sector, highlighting the tension between increased investment and the lack of local value addition. It argues that while China's infrastructure-led approach and state support provide a competitive edge, African nations must shift from exporting raw materials to developing domestic processing and refining capabilities to avoid the 'resource curse' and benefit from the global energy transition.

The September 2024 Peace & Security Council Report examines the institutional challenges of the African Union Commission, the implementation of the Pact for the Future, the need for a continental mine action mechanism, the slow progress of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda, and the application of International Humanitarian Law in the face of modern warfare and humanitarian crises.

This report from the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the activities and structural challenges of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC). It evaluates the performance of the fifth Panel of the Wise, the coordination between the PSC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the resurgence of mercenarism in Africa, and the underutilization of policing in peace support operations. Additionally, it outlines the priorities of Cameroon during its chairship of the PSC.