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The document analyzes the implementation and impact of FinScope, a nationally representative survey in South Africa designed to make financial markets work for the poor. It details how the survey moved from a 2002 pilot to a sustainable, syndicate-funded model that provided essential data for the South Africa Financial Sector Charter. The study highlights a significant increase in financial inclusion from 61% to 86% between 2004 and 2014, though it notes the difficulty of attributing this change solely to the survey. It also discusses the replication of the FinScope model in 23 other countries and the emergence of similar tools like the World Bank's Global FinDex.

The report estimates that ending world hunger by 2030 will require an average of USD 11 billion in additional annual public spending, with USD 4 billion provided by donors and USD 7 billion by poor countries. This investment is projected to trigger an additional USD 5 billion in annual private investment. The analysis focuses on three intervention categories: social safety nets, farm support, and rural development. Using a sample of seven African countries to extrapolate global costs, the report identifies that Africa, particularly Central and South East Africa, will require the highest level of support, with some countries depending on donors for over 90 per cent of their budgets.

The document analyzes Africa's epidemiological transition, noting that while communicable diseases currently cause a disproportionate share of deaths, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rising. Using scenario modeling, it argues that achieving SDG 3.3 (eradicating communicable diseases) would significantly boost GDP and life expectancy but accelerate the shift toward NCDs, potentially stressing health systems. Conversely, achieving SDG 3.4 (reducing premature NCD deaths) improves productivity through reduced disability but offers smaller overall economic gains than the eradication of infectious diseases.

The document analyzes the state of democracy in Africa, arguing that while electoral democracy has increased since 1989, it is often constrained by neopatrimonialism and a lack of governance capacity. It explores the 'sequencing debate' regarding whether democracy precedes or follows economic development, noting that while authoritarian models have sometimes delivered rapid growth, long-term human development is robustly linked to high-quality electoral democracy. Using the International Futures (IFs) system, the author forecasts that a 'Fourth Wave' of democracy could significantly increase Africa's GDP and reduce extreme poverty by 2070 compared to an 'Authoritarian Regress' scenario.

The document examines Mozambique's reliance on FDI and overseas development assistance (ODA) for post-war reconstruction. While megaprojects in extractives and infrastructure have driven GDP growth, the paper highlights a disconnect between this growth and human development indicators. It analyzes the legal frameworks governing mining and hydrocarbons, the impact of coal and natural gas projects, and the challenges of agricultural development through initiatives like ProSAVANA. The author argues for leveraging the technology and infrastructure of the extractive sector to support agriculture and local community prosperity.

The document examines Angola's FDI landscape, noting that while the 2015 Private Investment Law (PIL-3) simplifies procedures and removes minimum investment thresholds, systemic issues like corruption, poor infrastructure, and weak institutional capacity continue to deter investment outside the oil and mineral sectors. It highlights a concerning trend of negative net FDI flows and Angola's relative isolation from SADC regional economic integration, while identifying the Lobito Transport Corridor as a strategic asset for future growth.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) reported total assets of $108,201,902 and total net assets of $90,746,134 as of September 30, 2016. The organization's total revenue for the 2016 fiscal year was $99,365,271, with total expenses amounting to $89,632,638. An independent audit by Grant Thornton LLP issued an unmodified opinion, stating that the financial statements present fairly the financial position of the Institute and its subsidiaries. The report details WRI's operational focus on six critical issues: Climate, Energy, Food, Forests, Water, and Cities and Transport, supported by a global network and staff across multiple legal entities including WRI India, WRI China, and WRI Europe.

The World Resources Institute (WRI) reported total assets of $108,201,902 as of September 30, 2016, with total revenues for that year reaching $99,365,271. The organization operates through several legal entities, including subsidiaries in India, China, and Europe, focusing on critical issues such as climate, energy, food, forests, water, and cities and transport. An independent audit by Grant Thornton LLP concluded that the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Institute and its subsidiaries.

The paper argues that elephant survival depends on incentivising local communities to value living elephants over ivory through effective CBNRM. It examines the evolution of these policies in Southern Africa, comparing models in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, while highlighting governance challenges such as elite capture and the need for diversified, non-consumptive livelihood strategies.

The paper finds that climate actions across examined INDCs align with 154 of the 169 SDG targets, demonstrating significant potential for mutual benefits between climate and development agendas. While global alignment is high, the authors note that few countries explicitly referenced SDGs in their INDCs, often due to separate institutional oversight between environment and development ministries. Case studies of Colombia and Uganda show high goal-level alignment, though target-level alignment varies based on national priorities. The document advocates for a 'whole-of-government' approach to maximize resources and avoid implementation silos.

The document examines the shift in Southern Africa from centralized conservation to community-based natural resource management (CBNRM). It analyzes various institutional models—such as conservancies, community-based organisations (CBOs), and private game reserves—evaluating their success in balancing biodiversity conservation with rural livelihood improvement. Using Namibia and Botswana as primary case studies, the paper highlights the critical role of secure devolution of rights, transparent governance, and the need to diversify income streams beyond wildlife tourism to ensure long-term sustainability and community stewardship.

The document examines the application of sustainable use (SU) policies for African elephants, distinguishing between consumptive use (CU)—such as ivory trade and trophy hunting—and non-consumptive use, such as photographic tourism. It argues that while CU has seen some success in Southern Africa, it is largely undermined by corruption, poor governance, and a 'partial global trade ban' that creates market confusion and encourages poaching. The author contends that the closure of major ivory markets in the US and China, combined with the inability of CITES to approve new trade, makes a permanent global ivory trade ban the most viable path. The paper recommends that African governments transition to public-private protected area management organisations (PPPAMOs) and photographic tourism, while using 'conservation hunting' only as a temporary stop-gap. Ultimately, it calls for a global biodiversity tax to compensate African states for the opportunity costs of these restrictions.

The document analyzes Namibia's shift from a liberal FDI regime toward one with more state regulation via the New Investment Bill, which introduces performance requirements and reserves certain activities for citizens. It argues that while mandatory requirements may work in the extractives sector, incentives are more effective for non-resource sectors to avoid deterring investors. The paper also explores the potential for a regional investment framework within SADC and SACU and highlights how FDI from China, Germany, and South Africa is critical to expanding the Port of Walvis Bay and its associated transport corridors.

The policy brief examines how domestic xenophobia contradicts South Africa's 'diplomacy of ubuntu' and its aspirations for African leadership. It highlights specific incidents of violence and government failures, suggesting that South Africa must address the root causes of intolerance domestically and regionalise its policy responses to reclaim its international standing.

The report examines African election trends in 2016, noting that while multi-party elections are now standard, many processes are undermined by 'constitutional coups', the removal of term limits, and electoral irregularities. It details specific cases of instability and incumbent persistence in countries like the Central African Republic, Uganda, and the Republic of Congo, while contrasting these with more stable prospects in South Africa and Ghana.

The document examines the role of value chains in Southern Africa, noting that the region accounts for 40% of Africa's GVC participation. It highlights the importance of RVCs as entry points for smaller countries and emphasizes the need for harmonized non-tariff measures and firm-level data to enhance regional integration.

The research examines the effects of privatised copper mine ownership and foreign investment from China and India on Zambia's upstream supply chain, highlighting challenges such as poor capital access and stiff competition, while noting that Chinese OEMs are displacing established suppliers through advantageous credit terms.

The report analyzes the growth of supermarket chains in Southern Africa, noting a shift from South African dominance to the expansion of other SADC chains like Botswana's Choppies. It identifies drivers such as urbanization and centralized procurement, while highlighting barriers like logistics for perishable goods and local content policies.

The report analyzes the maize value chain in the SADC region, emphasizing the need for coherent regional policies and improved governance structures between actors. It identifies critical gaps in infrastructure and finance, recommending the establishment of warehouse networks and receipt systems in Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique, alongside the promotion of yellow maize for animal feed and the adoption of GM certified seeds.

The document examines the AICO scheme's role in developing the ASEAN automotive sector and assesses whether a similar model could work in SADC. It identifies South Africa as the regional automotive leader but notes that integration is currently one-sided. Key barriers in SADC include low market demand, infrastructure bottlenecks, and a lack of indigenous industry outside South Africa. The author suggests that SADC can move toward integration by leveraging South Africa's expertise, focusing on specific vehicle segments, and developing aftermarket production as a starting point.