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This case study examines the state of e-commerce in South Africa as of 2017, analyzing its scale, regulatory environment, and potential for economic inclusion. It highlights a growing market dominated by a few key players and a legislative framework primarily governed by the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 2002. The document identifies significant supply-side infrastructure gaps and demand-side trust issues as primary barriers to growth, while suggesting that e-commerce could be a vital tool for the empowerment of women and the poor.

This report, based on opening remarks by Sam Bickersteth at a July 2017 conference, reviews the activities of the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) from 2010 to 2017. It evaluates the progress of 'climate compatible development'—the principle that climate action should not hinder poverty reduction—and identifies systemic gaps in institutional capability, finance, and the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in developing nations.

This policy brief examines the barriers to upscaling Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in sub-Saharan Africa and proposes policy interventions to enhance food security and climate resilience.

This research paper by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) explores the concept of 'bankability' in the context of climate finance to help developing countries create project proposals that can successfully attract international funding. It argues that climate bankability extends beyond traditional financial returns to include socioeconomic and environmental impacts, and provides a checklist of determinants to guide project developers in aligning proposals with the requirements of multilateral funds like the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

This report summarizes the Sixth Annual Meeting of the San Giorgio Group, held on 8-9 May 2017 in Venice. The discussions focused on scaling up green, low-emissions finance by improving climate finance tracking, evolving financial architecture in emerging markets, overcoming funding constraints for cities, utilizing innovative financial instruments, and enhancing climate risk disclosure to accelerate the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

This report, developed by FHI 360 and funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, provides an inventory and summary of digital technologies used to enhance resilience, primarily in Asia. It details a wide array of tools—ranging from mobile apps and IoT sensors to big data analytics and geospatial mapping—designed to support disaster preparedness, emergency response, and long-term livelihood stability for vulnerable populations.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the governance of marine and coastal resources in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. It advocates for the adoption of integrated spatial planning, ecosystem-based management, and inclusive, community-led conservation models to support a sustainable 'Blue Economy'. The author emphasizes that marine conservation must be integrated with socio-economic development agendas to ensure the resilience of biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal populations.

This policy briefing examines why 'technology for transparency and accountability' (T4T&A) initiatives in Africa have failed to achieve large-scale impact despite expanding mobile networks and falling costs. The author argues that failures stem from a poor understanding of technology, a lack of user research, and a tendency for non-tech organisations to build custom tools from scratch rather than using existing ones. The document recommends shifting from short-term pilots to building a supportive innovation ecosystem that emphasises iterative learning and stronger links between technologists and accountability actors.

This policy brief examines the relationship between natural resource extraction and the funding of four violent extremist groups in Africa: al-Shabaab, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), the Janjaweed militia, and Boko Haram. It finds that while some groups rely heavily on illicit trade in charcoal, ivory, or gold, others have little to no connection to resource extraction.

This policy brief examines the prevalence and impact of illegal blast fishing in Tanzania, highlighting its role in destroying coral reef ecosystems and threatening the national economy. It argues for a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral governance approach to eliminate the practice through stricter law enforcement, community-led management, and the provision of alternative livelihoods.

This briefing by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) synthesizes lessons from 2015 and 2016 reports on public finance interventions designed to increase low-carbon and climate-resilient investment in developing countries. It outlines strategies for reducing risks and costs to attract private capital through fiscal policy adjustments, government-backed assurances, and public-private innovation labs.

This case study examines FSD Tanzania's (FSDT) efforts to operationalise the Enterprise Growth Market (EGM), an alternative investment channel of the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) designed to provide long-term equity capital for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). FSDT provided approximately USD 1.36 million in grants to the Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA) and the DSE to build regulatory capacity, increase public awareness, and support the listing of growth-oriented SMEs.

This research paper discusses the transition of leadership at the African Union Commission (AUC) following the election of Moussa Faki Mahamat as Chairperson on 30 January 2017. It analyzes the challenges facing the new chair, including the need for financial independence from international donors, the implementation of institutional reforms, and the management of peace and security crises across the continent.

This 2017 report outlines Ethiopia's leadership in climate action, notably as the first Least Developed Country to submit an INDC. It details the country's vulnerability to climate events, its goal to reduce emissions to 145 Mt CO2eq by 2030, and the US$150 billion cost of its CRGE strategy. The document highlights CDKN's role in helping the Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation achieve accreditation for the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund, as well as efforts to green the industrial sector and develop geothermal risk insurance.

This briefing by the Climate Bonds Initiative outlines the progress of public policy regarding green bonds in 2016 and projections for 2017. It highlights the emergence of sovereign green bonds, the role of green bonds in financing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and various innovative financial tools used by governments to attract private capital for climate infrastructure.

This fact sheet by the Climate Bonds Initiative outlines public sector activities and policy developments in the green bond market during 2016, emphasizing the role of governments in leveraging private capital to meet climate-aligned infrastructure needs.

This fact sheet from the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) outlines the evolution of China-Africa relations, tracing them from historical ties to contemporary economic, diplomatic, and security partnerships. It highlights the role of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the shift in China's approach from 'non-interference' to active engagement in peace and security, while noting the impact of China's 'new normal' economic slowdown on bilateral trade and investment.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates whether the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) can effectively monitor the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the authors identify strong normative and thematic alignment between the three initiatives, they argue that the APRM currently lacks the administrative capacity, funding, and technical rigor to handle the extensive monitoring responsibilities required.

This World Resources Institute working paper provides a four-step roadmap for landscape restoration projects to attract private investment between $500,000 and $10 million. It emphasizes the need for restoration leaders to adopt a commercial mindset, develop robust business plans, establish legal investable entities, and use pilot projects and performance metrics to reduce perceived risk for investors.

This report by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) synthesises seven years of experience in promoting 'climate compatible development'—an approach that integrates climate mitigation and adaptation with poverty eradication and human development. The document provides a framework for mainstreaming climate concerns into national macroeconomic planning, sectoral policies, and local governance, while emphasizing the necessity of political leadership, cross-government coordination, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. It details the financial challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, the role of 'knowledge brokers' in translating science for policy-makers, and the importance of gender-sensitive implementation to ensure equitable outcomes.