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This policy brief outlines how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries can use a 'gender lens'—business models and operations that promote women's economic empowerment—to enhance the sustainability and climate impact of low-carbon technologies. Drawing on the Gender Equality in a Low Carbon World (GLOW) programme (2021–24), the document provides evidence from Africa and Latin America showing that addressing gender-specific barriers in sectors like aquaculture and agriculture leads to improved productivity, increased revenues, and better market access.

This policy brief outlines how integrating a gender perspective into low-carbon and climate-resilient small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries enhances economic sustainability, productivity, and climate impact. Drawing on the Gender Equality in a Low Carbon World (GLOW) program (2021-24), the document demonstrates that addressing gender barriers in sectors like agriculture and aquaculture is a strategic success factor for climate-smart businesses.

This policy brief describes how integrating a gender perspective into low-carbon and climate-resilient business models enhances economic sustainability and climate impact for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. Drawing on the GLOW (Gender Equality in a Low Carbon World) program (2021–2024), the document outlines strategies for women's empowerment in sectors such as agriculture and aquaculture, demonstrating that addressing gender-specific barriers leads to higher productivity, better market access, and increased attractiveness to impact investors.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) advocates for the use of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in the mining sector to enhance sustainable development. It distinguishes SEA from project-level Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), demonstrating through case studies in Namibia, Ghana, Romania, and Mozambique how SEA can influence national policies and regional planning to better manage cumulative impacts, resource use, and stakeholder interests.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) promotes the use of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in the mining sector to enhance sustainable development. It distinguishes SEA from project-level Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), highlighting how SEA integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations into high-level plans, policies, and programs (PPPs). Through international case studies, the document outlines the benefits of SEA for governments, companies, and communities, identifies common implementation obstacles, and provides recommendations for integrating SEA into national and regional mining planning, particularly for critical minerals.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the application of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) within the mining sector. It distinguishes SEA from project-level Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), positioning SEA as a strategic tool to integrate environmental and social considerations into policies, plans, and programs (PPPs). Through case studies from Namibia, Ghana, Romania, Mozambique, and Canada, the document demonstrates how SEA can optimize infrastructure, improve governance of artisanal mining, and manage mine closures, while identifying key institutional and political obstacles to its implementation.

This research paper examines the tension in Germany's trade and investment policy toward Africa, contrasting a history of corporate-led 'geoeconomic' interests with a more recent shift toward a morality-based foreign policy. The author argues that Germany has an opportunity to move away from extractivist models and instead support African economic self-determination through domestic resource mobilisation and regional industrial complementarities.

This policy brief from the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the rising public debt burden in Africa, the complexities of its current composition, and the necessary reforms to the global financial architecture. It argues that while the G20 has established mechanisms like the Common Framework and the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), these are insufficient. The document proposes that the African Union (AU), as a new permanent member of the G20, should advocate for an African Credit Rating Agency, an African Debt Monitoring Mechanism, and a more inclusive debt restructuring process that includes private creditors and provides longer repayment periods.

The December 2023/January 2024 edition of the Peace & Security Council Report evaluates the African Union's (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) performance in 2023, highlighting a trend toward discussing thematic issues over sensitive country crises. It examines the challenges of consensus-based decision-making, the upcoming 2024 AU chairship and PSC membership elections, and the potential impact of the UN's New Agenda for Peace on African security architecture.

The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) describes a new PlugIn for the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) software, developed in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The tool calculates water stress disaggregated by catchment area and sub-basin, assisting countries in meeting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Indicator 6.4.2.

This briefing, submitted by Natural Justice and the Environmental Lawyers Collective for Africa (E.L.C.A), provides commentary on a zero draft study by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) regarding the impact of climate change on human and people's rights in Africa. The document evaluates the study's identification of vulnerable groups and rights, critiques its approach to corporate accountability and extractive industries, and offers recommendations to strengthen the protection of indigenous peoples, children, and the environment through legal and monitoring frameworks.

This background note provides energy production and demand forecasts for Africa and the global community up to 2043, based on the International Futures (IFs) forecasting platform. It details the transition of energy sources, the growth of African energy demand driven by population increases, and the status of fossil fuel reserves and renewable energy projects across the continent.

This briefing note by the Institute for Security Studies examines the outlook for natural gas in Africa up to 2043, highlighting the tension between significant proven reserves and a global market facing slowing demand and potential supply gluts.

This background note from the Institute for Security Studies analyzes Africa's energy export and import trends under a 'Current Path' forecast up to 2043, highlighting the contrast between a few major energy exporters and a majority of countries dependent on imports.

This scoping report by the Africa Policy Research Institute examines the intersection of green technology and youth employment in Africa. It identifies a significant gap between the potential for job creation in green technology and the current design of major funding programmes, while highlighting opportunities in ICTs, indigenous knowledge, and local manufacturing.

The report by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) analyzes global coal mining employment and the necessity of a 'just transition' for workers. Using a new dataset from the Global Coal Mine Tracker, GEM estimates that nearly 2.7 million people are directly employed at operating coal mines. The report warns that hundreds of thousands of jobs are at risk due to planned mine closures by 2035 and 2050, regardless of climate policies, and that significantly more layoffs would occur if the world adheres to 1.5°C and 2°C warming scenarios.

The document presents a roadmap for enhancing African resilience to transboundary and cascading climate risks. It calls for the African Union Commission to develop an implementation plan to improve coordination between Member States and Regional Economic Communities, leveraging key 2023 events like the Africa Climate Summit and COP28 to secure financial and technical resources.

This report by the Africa Policy Research Institute examines the potential impacts of the G7 Climate Club on African countries. While acknowledging the goal of achieving global net-zero emissions by mid-century, the author argues that the Club's current design—particularly its focus on rapid decarbonisation and carbon-leakage reduction—could undermine African economic growth, energy security, and industrialisation. The report calls for a co-designed approach that prioritises climate justice, technological transfer, and financial support over trade-based sanctions.

This statement from the African Center for Economic Transformation evaluates the outcomes of the Paris summit for a new global financial pact, highlighting the emergence of a unified African voice and a broader global coalition calling for the reform of an international financial architecture that is deemed unfit for current overlapping crises.

This research paper analyzes the evolving energy relations between Germany and Africa, noting a shift from traditional development cooperation toward a broader approach combining energy diplomacy, foreign policy, and technical cooperation. The author highlights a tension between Germany's commitment to a 'just transition' and its strategic interests in securing both renewable energy (particularly green hydrogen) and fossil fuel imports to ensure energy security.