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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.

This research paper analyzes the 'paradigm shift' in German migration policy under the current coalition government, specifically its impact on African partner countries. While the government aims to transform Germany into a modern immigration country by attracting skilled workers, the author argues that the policy remains rooted in old concepts, primarily linking legal migration pathways to increased cooperation on the repatriation of migrants.

This research paper analyzes the German government's announced 'paradigm shift' in migration policy, which aims to transform Germany into a modern immigration country by easing access for qualified workers. The authors argue that despite the rhetoric, the policy remains rooted in old methods, heavily conditioning legal pathways on the acceleration of returns and continuing the externalization of migration control in Africa.

This policy brief examines illicit financial flows (IFFs) resulting from migrant smuggling in Senegal and Sierra Leone. It highlights a systemic failure to employ 'follow the money' investigative techniques, noting that smuggling revenues are frequently laundered through cash-based informal systems and invested in formal sectors like real estate and hospitality. The document identifies significant institutional gaps, including underfunded Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) and corruption within law enforcement and the judiciary, and provides recommendations for strengthening regulatory frameworks and regional cooperation.

This research paper examines the evolution of German-African energy relations, tracing the shift from a primary focus on development cooperation and energy poverty to a more complex framework involving energy diplomacy, technology-driven cooperation, and strategic geopolitical interests. The author analyzes the tensions between 'green' and 'fossilist' objectives, the risks associated with the roll-out of hydrogen diplomacy, and the trend toward the financialization of development through multi-stakeholder partnerships.

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.

The Europe Gas Tracker Report 2023 by Global Energy Monitor analyzes the rapid expansion of gas infrastructure in the European Union following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The report argues that a 'gas panic' has led to uncoordinated buildouts of LNG terminals and pipelines that risk creating massive overcapacity and locking the region into fossil fuel dependency, potentially undermining the EU's climate goals under the European Climate Law and the Fit for 55 package.

A Global Energy Monitor briefing on the expansion of gas extraction in Africa, highlighting a shift toward new market entrants and the associated climate and socio-economic risks.

This report by the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) analyzes the implications of the European Green Deal (EGD) for the African private sector. It explores how Africa's abundance of critical minerals and renewable energy potential—particularly for green hydrogen—positions the continent as a strategic partner for the EU's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The document identifies financial, technological, and capacity-building opportunities for African companies, while warning against the risk of Africa remaining a mere resource supplier in an unequal partnership.

This research paper analyzes Nigeria's foreign policy under President Buhari, arguing that a persistent conflict between regional aspirations and domestic policy instincts has hindered the country's economic and diplomatic goals. The author highlights how domestic measures, such as land border closures and a delay in ratifying the AfCFTA, contradicted Nigeria's stated goals of regional integration and economic growth.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has seen a 57% increase in operational renewable energy capacity since May 2022, though it remains heavily dependent on oil and gas for over 90% of its electricity. While there is a massive pipeline of future projects totaling 361 GW, approximately 60% of this capacity is earmarked for green hydrogen production and export rather than domestic decarbonization.

This December 2022 briefing by Global Energy Monitor examines the planned US$245 billion expansion of gas infrastructure in Africa. It highlights a significant imbalance where investments in LNG export terminals and pipelines for international markets—driven by Europe's short-term energy crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine—far outweigh investments in domestic power generation and renewable energy, creating a high risk of stranded assets.

This December 2022 report by Global Energy Monitor analyzes the expansion of gas infrastructure in Africa, highlighting a significant imbalance where investments are heavily skewed toward export terminals rather than domestic energy access. The report warns that the surge in interest driven by Europe's need to replace Russian gas creates a high risk of 'stranded assets' and diverts funding from renewable energy and local electrification.

This December 2022 briefing by Global Energy Monitor examines the expansion of gas infrastructure in Africa, highlighting a significant trend toward export-oriented projects driven by Europe's energy crisis following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The report warns that prioritizing LNG exports over domestic energy needs and renewable energy investments risks creating stranded assets and hindering universal electricity access on the continent.

This report by Global Energy Monitor analyzes the expansion of gas infrastructure in Africa, highlighting a significant trend toward export-oriented projects driven by Europe's short-term energy needs following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The document argues that the focus on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports and pipelines risks creating 'stranded assets' and diverts investment from domestic energy access and renewable energy.

This policy brief explores the complex relationship between international trade and sustainable agriculture, highlighting that while agri-food systems contribute 31% of global GHG emissions and drive 80% of deforestation, trade is essential for the 80% of the world population relying on food imports. The author argues for a shift from production-enhancing subsidies to market-correcting ones and suggests utilizing WTO mechanisms—such as the SPS Committee and the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD)—to coordinate global efforts toward sustainable food systems.

The Climate Change Performance Index 2023 executive summary evaluates the climate mitigation efforts of the 60 largest emitters. It highlights that no country is currently on a 1.5°C pathway, leaving the top three ranks unoccupied. While Denmark leads in most categories, major emitters like China and the US are ranked in the 'very low' category. The report notes a wide disparity in performance among EU member states and identifies Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan as the worst overall performers.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) analyzes the climate commitments of the 70 largest public financial institutions, representing USD 20.4 trillion in assets. It finds a significant gap in ambition, particularly among national and subnational development banks and institutions in non-OECD countries, where Paris-aligned and net-zero targets are rare. The report highlights a lack of specificity in climate finance goals, a deficiency in adaptation-focused commitments, and a general slow adoption of institutional climate strategies. CPI identifies insufficient accountability and a lack of government and global coalition guidance as primary barriers and provides recommendations to strengthen the integrity of public finance in the energy transition.

The Africa Private Equity and Debt Programme, running from November 2020 to March 2025, is a pan-African initiative by FSD Africa designed to increase the availability of long-term financing for social and economic sectors by mobilising private equity and debt capital, specifically targeting increased participation from local institutional investors like pension funds.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the priorities and challenges for African nations leading up to COP27 in Egypt. It highlights the continent's push for climate justice, increased financial support for adaptation and loss and damage, and a 'just transition' that allows for the temporary use of natural gas to ensure energy security.