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This research paper analyzes the evolving energy relations between Germany and Africa, noting a shift from traditional development cooperation toward a broader approach combining energy diplomacy, foreign policy, and technical cooperation. The author highlights a tension between Germany's commitment to a 'just transition' and its strategic interests in securing both renewable energy (particularly green hydrogen) and fossil fuel imports to ensure energy security.

This research paper by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) examines the disparity between solar energy potential and installed capacity in developing economies, attributing the gap to high costs of capital driven by sovereign and off-taker risks. The authors propose the establishment of a Global Credit Guarantee Facility (GCGF) to de-risk cross-border financing and lower risk premiums for renewable energy projects in Emerging Market & Development Economy (EMDE) countries.

This T20 policy brief argues that the global green transition is becoming unstable and incoherent due to a 'polycrisis' of interlinked challenges. It proposes that the G20 establish a multilateral framework for 'structural green transition policies'—defined as systemic, long-lasting, and general-purpose reforms—to coordinate investment, reduce policy risk, and provide concessional financing, particularly for the Global South.

This report examines the relationship between the African Union (AU) and civil society organisations (CSOs) over the last 20 years, focusing on governance, peace, and security. While the AU has established institutional frameworks to facilitate engagement, the report finds that CSO participation remains unpredictable and often restricted, particularly in political processes and high-level summits. It highlights the critical technical and research contributions of CSOs while identifying systemic barriers, including shrinking civic space in member states and bureaucratic hurdles within AU organs like ECOSOCC.

A community guide published by Natural Justice in June 2023 regarding the proposed oil and gas exploration by TotalEnergies EP South Africa B.V. (TEEPSA) in the Deep Water Orange Basin off the west coast of South Africa.

This policy brief advocates for the scaling of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in the coastal and marine environments of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to enhance climate resilience, conserve biodiversity, and promote socio-economic development.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs evaluates the effectiveness of African Union (AU) mechanisms, specifically the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the Africa Governance Report (AGR), in improving governance across Africa. The author concludes that governance standards have generally remained static or declined since 1996, and that while APRM membership correlates with better performance, the review process itself does not guarantee improvement.

This research paper examines the historical and contemporary health cooperation between Germany and African nations, arguing that these relations remain unequal and lack reciprocity. The author contends that while Germany promotes multilateralism and health security, its actions often prioritize economic interests and security over the public health needs and autonomy of African partners, calling for a decolonial shift toward health and climate justice.

This case study discusses the role of coordinated investment promotion and regional value chains in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), specifically highlighting the proposed Pan-African Trade and Investment Agency and the potential for growth in the automotive sector.

The Centre for Environmental Rights, representing MEJCON-SA and MACUA, submitted a formal objection on May 9, 2023, against Tetra4 (Pty) LTD's application to amend its Water Use Licence (WUL) for the Cluster 2 expansion of gas and helium production near Virginia, Free State. The objection argues that the Integrated Water and Waste Management Plan (IWWMP) fails to adequately assess risks of groundwater contamination, radioactive waste, municipal water stress, and the compounding effects of climate change on a region critical for South African food security.

This document is a formal objection letter from the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), on behalf of the Mining and Environmental Justice Community Network of South Africa (MEJCON-SA) and Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA), regarding Tetra4's application to amend its Water Use Licence (WUL) for the Cluster 2 expansion of gas and helium production near Virginia, Free State. The document includes the original objections and the corresponding responses from Tetra4, focusing on risks to groundwater, radioactive contamination, waste management, and the impacts of climate change on water security.

A statement by the Southern African Yearly Meeting of Quakers urging the South African government to implement a universal basic income (UBI) to address a national crisis characterized by high unemployment, inequality, and poverty. The authors argue that a UBI, provided unconditionally to all citizens and legal immigrants, is necessary to prevent social instability and stimulate economic activity, citing a pilot project in Namibia as evidence of its effectiveness.

This briefing by the Global Climate and Health Alliance argues that climate change and biodiversity loss are the primary global health threats of the 21st century, but that integrating health into climate policy presents a significant opportunity to reduce emissions and improve public health. It details the direct and indirect health risks of warming—including heat-related mortality, air pollution, infectious disease spread, and food system collapse—while highlighting that the health co-benefits of decarbonisation and meeting Paris Agreement goals can substantially offset the economic costs of climate action.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative analyzes the barriers and success factors for attracting private sector capital into urban climate investments in emerging economies. It identifies obstacles across macro, city, and project levels and provides a framework of recommendations for city governments, public sector partners, and private/third sector entities to improve local enabling conditions.

This policy brief outlines the growing climate finance gap in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) and least developed countries (LDCs). It recommends that G7 countries utilize blended finance, debt-for-climate swaps, and MDB reforms to lower the cost of capital and mobilize private investment. Additionally, it calls for the harmonization of green industrial policies to prevent protectionism and the implementation of universal disaster index insurance to protect vulnerable populations.

This research paper by the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) advocates for a 'strategic procurement paradigm' to replace the 'administrative paradigm' currently dominating South Africa's public procurement system. The authors, acting as a Joint Strategic Resource (JSR) for the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac), argue that the existing system's rigidity facilitates state capture and hinders complex infrastructure delivery. They propose a legislative framework that empowers accounting officers, integrates procurement with technical delivery functions, and implements 'guardrails' such as open contracting and incentivised whistleblowing to ensure integrity.

This research paper examines the integration of marine and coastal ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) within the climate policies and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of 10 SADC member states. It identifies a systemic gap where terrestrial concerns often overshadow marine issues, leading to a disconnect between high-level global pledges and local implementation. The author analyzes national case studies, identifies significant hurdles—including capacity gaps, siloed governance, and financing shortages—and provides recommendations for strengthening the 'seascape' approach to climate resilience in Southern Africa.

This research paper examines ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) interventions in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) coastal region, focusing on how these projects can provide livelihood opportunities and be scaled. The authors identify an incremental, community-led model—starting with periodic fishery closures to meet immediate food needs before expanding to broader conservation—as a highly effective approach for achieving sustainable outcomes.

A response from the Petroleum Agency SA (PASA) to the Centre for Environmental Rights regarding the regulation of upstream gas and petroleum activities, addressing public access to rights, environmental inspectors, and the status of hydraulic fracturing.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) submitted a legal argument to the High Court of South Africa stating that, as a registered and accredited law clinic that provides free legal services and does not handle client funds or property, it is legally entitled to litigate without a fidelity fund certificate or a trust account.