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This research paper by Jakkie Cilliers, commissioned by the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (wrr), examines the potential for Africa to achieve a demographic dividend. It analyzes the stages of demographic transition, the role of urbanization, and the specific conditions—such as health, education, and governance—required to convert a youthful population structure into economic growth. The paper models an ambitious 'Demographics and Health' scenario to demonstrate how accelerated improvements in fertility and mortality could enhance Africa's development trajectory and its relationship with Europe.

A retrospective report by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) detailing ten years of the Global Innovation Lab for Climate Finance (the Lab). The document analyzes the Lab's role as a market-builder and pipeline incubator, sharing lessons on balancing financial innovation with actionability to mobilize private capital for climate mitigation and adaptation in emerging markets.

This case study examines how Danone uses an 'emergence strategy' and public-private partnerships to address methane emissions in its fresh milk supply chain, focusing on scaling solutions across 58,000 global farmers through research, policy advocacy, and industry coalitions.

This special report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the intersection of agriculture, water access, and climate change in Algeria, forecasting development pathways to 2040. It highlights the country's vulnerability to commodity shocks, low agricultural productivity, and the severe socio-economic risks posed by rising temperatures and sea-level rise.

This briefing by the Global Climate and Health Alliance argues that climate change and biodiversity loss are the primary global health threats of the 21st century, but that integrating health into climate policy presents a significant opportunity to reduce emissions and improve public health. It details the direct and indirect health risks of warming—including heat-related mortality, air pollution, infectious disease spread, and food system collapse—while highlighting that the health co-benefits of decarbonisation and meeting Paris Agreement goals can substantially offset the economic costs of climate action.

This report, published by Global Energy Monitor and several partner organizations, tracks the global development of coal-fired power plants as of April 2023. It analyzes the tension between the global trend toward coal phase-out and a significant surge in coal plant approvals and construction in China, while evaluating the progress of other major economies and the role of private finance in the energy transition.

The report estimates that implementing Africa's NDCs from 2020 to 2030 will cost USD 2.8 trillion, with a funding gap of USD 2.5 trillion. Current annual flows of USD 30 billion meet only 12% of the required USD 250 billion annual need. Mitigation accounts for 66% of needs, while adaptation accounts for 24%, though the latter is likely underestimated.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the complex relationship between climate change and violent conflict in Africa. It argues that while climate change acts as a 'risk multiplier' that can exacerbate existing political, social, and economic tensions, the link to violence is indirect and highly contextual. The document emphasizes the need for conflict-sensitive climate adaptation strategies, particularly in fragile contexts, and calls for the Global North to fulfill climate finance commitments to support the Global South.

The West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA 2) is a regional initiative designed to strengthen coastal resilience in six West African countries through a portfolio of investments that mainstream climate risks into national policies and target vulnerable sectors including transport, urban, and natural resources.

This policy brief assesses the Africa Energy Guarantee Facility (AEGF), a risk mitigation instrument launched by the European Investment Bank to attract private investment into Africa's sustainable energy sector. While the AEGF aims to unlock $1.4 billion in clean energy investment by providing insurance against political and sovereign risks, the document argues that its success depends on African policymakers creating enabling regulatory frameworks and reducing the high transaction costs and risks that currently deter private investors.

This report analyzes the conditions necessary for African states to achieve a demographic dividend, noting that most are currently several decades away due to high youth dependency and slow fertility declines. It argues that while global growth is slowing due to aging populations, Africa's expanding working-age population offers a comparative advantage if coupled with investments in contraception, female education, and basic infrastructure. The report warns that without these interventions and significant job creation, Africa will continue to diverge from global averages in income and health.

This issue brief examines how climate change impacts United States national security, detailing the Department of Defense's (DOD) conceptualization of climate change as a 'threat multiplier' and the resulting operational, infrastructural, and geopolitical challenges. It outlines the adaptation and mitigation strategies adopted by the DOD and other security agencies, while analyzing the role of Congressional legislation and funding in shaping these efforts.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines the gap between Africa's formal legal frameworks for freedom of movement and their actual implementation. While the African Union and various Regional Economic Communities have established treaties to leverage migration for development, national interests and securitized approaches often hinder progress, with West Africa currently serving as the continent's best practice model.

This research paper evaluates Africa's prospects for achieving universal access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) by 2030, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. Using the International Futures (IFs) forecasting system, the authors compare a 'Current Path' (business-as-usual) against two alternative scenarios: 'Universal Access' (an aggressive push for 97% coverage) and 'Balancing WASH' (a moderate approach based on 2015 baselines). The analysis highlights the massive infrastructure investment required, the potential for significant economic and human development gains, and the risk of spending trade-offs that could undermine health and education goals.

This research paper evaluates the G-20's financial regulation and development agenda between 2011 and 2012, finding that while general G-20 documents rarely mention Africa explicitly, they address broader developing country needs. Key areas of relevance include financial inclusion, agricultural finance, and local currency bond markets. The author argues that while the G-20 recognizes the need to adapt international standards to developing contexts, greater active participation and regional coordination by African states are necessary to ensure their specific needs are met.

This research paper uses the LPJmL vegetation and hydrology model to compare global per capita water availability and requirements for food production between 1971–2000 and 2070–2099, assessing the impact of climate and population change on the ability of countries to produce a balanced diet.

A statement by Fred Phaswana, Chairperson of the SAIIA National Council, discussing the role of think tanks in analyzing North African uprisings, the importance of democratic electoral processes in Africa, and South Africa's strategic international engagements in 2011, including its role in the UN Security Council, BRICS, and hosting the 17th UN Conference of the Parties on Climate Change.

A World Resources Institute working paper analyzing the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), which as of March 2010 had earmarked US$4.35 billion for clean technology in developing countries. The paper emphasizes the need for institutional capacity and governance in project design, using Mexico and South Africa as case studies.

This 2010 policy brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute examines how air pollution, energy production, and pesticide use threaten the ecosystem services necessary to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It argues that the degradation of approximately 60 per cent of examined ecosystem services may prevent the eradication of hunger and poverty, particularly in developing regions.

This 2009 research paper by the Stockholm Environment Institute maps the climate change finance portfolios of five institutions: three bilateral finance institutions (AFD, KfW, and JICA) and two multilateral institutions (EIB and NEFCO). The report analyzes the scale, regional and sectoral distribution, and financial instruments used for climate mitigation and adaptation in developing countries, while identifying barriers to effectiveness and opportunities for future coordination among bilateral finance institutions (BFIs).