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This policy brief examines the barriers to inclusive clean energy transitions in low-income economies, emphasizing that without intentional policy design, these transitions risk reinforcing existing socioeconomic and gender inequalities. It highlights significant financing gaps, implementation barriers, and the systemic marginalization of women, while providing recommendations for the G20 to facilitate knowledge sharing and innovative financing to support vulnerable populations.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs outlines the systemic challenges facing food production in Africa and proposes specific interventions for the G20 to help the continent avoid missing the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and AU Agenda 2063 targets.

This research paper by the Africa Policy Research Institute examines the limited developmental impact of tourism on local African economies, arguing that the industry often functions as an extractive force. Using Zanzibar as a primary case study, the author illustrates how foreign ownership, 'enclave tourism', and economic leakages prevent local communities from benefiting from industry growth.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs advocates for the upscaling of marine and coastal ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It highlights the vulnerability of coastal and island states to climate risks and argues that integrating EbA into national policies and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) can simultaneously address climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic development.

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 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 report examines the use of risk mitigation and transfer (RMT) instruments to enable utility-scale renewable energy investments in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). Through case studies in Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zambia, the authors analyze how financial instruments from development finance institutions (DFIs) help projects reach financial close by addressing offtaker, political, and currency risks. While RMTs have successfully protected existing projects during recent economic shocks, the report finds they are currently insufficient to enable new projects in countries facing severe debt distress, such as Zambia.

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.

The Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature (RAIN) Challenge is an initiative by the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) and Munich Re Foundation to identify and scale innovative, nature-positive agricultural solutions in East Africa. The program provides not-for-profit organizations with mentoring, leadership training, and connections to investors to transform seed-level ideas into sustainable business models that enhance biodiversity and climate resilience.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) explores how voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs) can assist governments in preparing Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) for the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The document argues that VSSs can fill data gaps, provide best-practice case studies, and foster multisectoral partnerships to track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) explores how Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) can assist governments in preparing Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) to report progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The document argues that VSS can bridge data gaps, provide best-practice case studies, and foster multi-stakeholder partnerships to enhance the transparency and inclusivity of national reporting.

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.

This report by Global Energy Monitor and its partners analyzes the global state of coal-fired power plants as of April 2023. It highlights a stark divergence between China, where coal capacity is expanding rapidly, and the rest of the world, where new projects are declining. While the report notes that the 'return of coal' in Europe due to the energy crisis was minimal, it emphasizes that current retirement rates are insufficient to meet Paris Agreement goals, particularly in non-OECD countries.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates the 20-year history of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It details the mechanism's evolution from its 2003 inception to its current status as an AU-incorporated body with 43 member states, while highlighting systemic failures in implementation, slow review throughput, and the limited impact of its recommendations on overall continental governance.

The AfCFTA aims to create a single African market by eliminating 97% of tariffs, but full implementation is hindered by delayed Rules of Origin negotiations and clashes between national interests and pan-African goals. The Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) serves as a pilot to maintain momentum and test regulatory instruments among eight selected countries.

This case study describes the Jasiri Gender Bond, a financial instrument launched in February 2022 to stimulate economic growth and empower women-led businesses in Tanzania. It highlights the bond's financial performance, its role in supporting women in both traditional and male-dominated sectors, and provides a specific example of a business, High Quality Tanzania, that scaled its operations using Jasiri loans.

The Jasiri Gender Bond is an innovative financial instrument launched by NMB Bank in Tanzania to provide capital and resources to women-led SMEs and MSMEs, bridging the gender finance gap through inclusive capital market mechanisms.

This case study describes the impact of the Jasiri Gender Bond in Tanzania, focusing on its role in empowering women entrepreneurs and the specific growth of Maggy Dress-Up, a plus-size clothing business.

This case study describes the impact of the Jasiri Gender Bond, launched in February 2022, on women entrepreneurs in Tanzania, specifically highlighting the expansion of Mkajungu Hardware.