Search Climate Insights Directory

This research paper analyzes the potential for African countries to finance climate mitigation and adaptation by redirecting explicit fossil fuel subsidies (EFFS) and increasing environmental taxes. While these domestic fiscal tools can contribute approximately 1.7% and 1.1% of Africa's GDP respectively, the author concludes they are insufficient to close the continent's overall climate finance gap of 5–10% of GDP. The paper recommends establishing independent fuel reserve authorities to stabilize prices and adopting gradual subsidy withdrawal strategies to avoid social unrest and inflation.

This research paper argues that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should adopt a forward-looking transitional justice framework for climate governance to address structural inequities and gender-based vulnerabilities. The author proposes that by institutionalising justice through regional mechanisms—such as a gender-responsive minerals strategy and a dedicated adaptation fund for women—ECOWAS can ensure a just energy transition and climate resilience that is independent of the instability of global climate finance and multilateral agreements.

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 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 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 briefing by Zero Carbon Analytics, written with Africa Climate Insights, examines the critical shortfall in climate adaptation finance for Africa and developing nations. It argues that public finance must remain the primary driver of adaptation due to the 'less bankable' nature of adaptation projects compared to mitigation and the high debt distress in African economies.

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 briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the intersection of international trade and climate policy ahead of COP 30. It focuses on the use of trade tools—such as border carbon adjustments, green subsidies, and deforestation-free import rules—to advance climate goals while highlighting the risks of market fragmentation and the potential for these measures to deepen inequities between developed and emerging economies.

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 case study describes the impact of a $1 million investment from the FSDAi Nyala Facility into WIC Capital, the first investment fund in Francophone West Africa dedicated to women-led businesses. The fund provides both capital and technical assistance to help female entrepreneurs overcome barriers to formal finance, specifically in Senegal.

WIC Capital, launched in 2019 and supported by the FSDAi Nyala Facility, provides financial capital and technical assistance to women-led SMEs in Francophone West Africa, specifically improving access to growth financing in Senegal.

This briefing by Zero Carbon Analytics examines the concept of 'temperature overshoot'—where global warming exceeds 1.5°C to 2°C before returning to those levels—and the associated risks of triggering irreversible climate tipping points. It argues that while the chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C by 2100 is now 'virtually zero', minimizing the magnitude and duration of overshoot is critical to avoid catastrophic Earth system collapses. The document contrasts dangerous climate tipping points with 'positive socio-economic tipping points' that can accelerate decarbonization, while warning that reliance on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and geoengineering introduces severe risks and does not replace the need for immediate, deep emissions cuts.

This case study describes how Lumos, a solar energy provider in West Africa, partnered with Upya Technologies starting in 2023 to digitise field operations and automate workflows using a no-code platform to overcome the rigidity and cost of previous IT systems.

This report by the Stockholm Environment Institute argues that Senegal must address the cross-border dimensions of climate change impacts to achieve resilience.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the state of democratic governance in Southern Africa, focusing on the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in countering democratic backsliding. Drawing on youth consultations and a comparative analysis of West African civil society networks, the report argues that cross-border solidarity and regional networks are essential for strengthening accountability and protecting human rights in the SADC region.

A report by Zero Carbon Analytics (ZCA) detailing how deforestation in the Congo Basin disrupts a climate teleconnection that provides critical rainfall to West Africa, specifically threatening the global cocoa supply chain and increasing costs for European importers.

The Africa Policy Research Institute argues that climate finance in Africa must shift from a narrow focus on large-scale infrastructure to a 'dual mandate' that equally supports decentralized, consumer-led energy transitions. The document asserts that while utility-scale projects are foundational, the most dynamic energy growth is occurring through off-grid systems and MSMEs, which currently lack the structured local-currency credit and trade finance necessary to scale.

This introductory section of a guide on gender integration in Senegal's National Adaptation Plan outlines the impacts of climate change in West Africa and specifically within Senegal, detailing temperature increases, precipitation declines, and the resulting degradation of ecosystems and socio-economic sectors.

The May 2025 Peace & Security Council Report examines escalating tensions between Algeria and Mali, the institutional challenges of AU-ECOWAS collaboration, the rise of 'lawfare' to undermine democracy in Africa, and the role of illicit economies in fueling Sahelian extremism.