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The 2019 report by the NewClimate Institute analyzes the impact of climate mitigation commitments from cities, regions, and businesses, specifically focusing on ten major emitting economies and 17 international cooperative initiatives (ICIs). It finds that while individual actor commitments provide modest reductions, ICIs offer the most significant potential to close the global emissions gap to 2°C by 2030.

This briefing examines the motivations, benefits, and challenges for African nations considering membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), noting a significant infrastructure finance gap and differing levels of suitability based on a country's income level.

A statement bySSS by Natural Justice regarding the intersection of climate change, xenophobia, and gender-based violence in Africa, specifically highlighting the risks facing South Africa.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the political and socio-economic environment surrounding Mozambique's October 15, 2019, general elections. It examines the impact of a massive corruption scandal, natural disasters, an insurgency in the north, and new decentralization laws on the stability and credibility of the electoral process.

This report explores how cell captive insurance structures can address structural constraints in sub-Saharan African (SSA) insurance markets, such as fragmentation, lack of innovation, and limited capacity for specialised risks. It identifies four primary use cases—specialised risk management, retail innovation, market participation, and offshore financial centre development—and provides a decision framework for regulators to design appropriate legal and supervisory structures.

Friends of the Earth International expresses deep disappointment with the July 16 revised version of the UN's legally binding treaty on transnational corporations and human rights, arguing that the text is too weak and fails to establish international jurisdiction to hold corporations accountable.

Friends of the Earth International criticizes the July 16, 2019, Revised Draft of the UN Binding Treaty on Transnational Corporations and Human Rights, arguing that it dilutes the focus on transnational corporations and fails to establish direct obligations for these entities to be regulated and prosecuted.

This research paper assesses the progress and challenges of the institutional reform process of the African Union (AU) led by Rwanda's President Paul Kagame. Based on the 2017 'Kagame Report', the reforms aim to address inefficient bureaucracy, funding shortages, and overlapping mandates. The paper analyzes specific achievements, such as the reduction of AU commissioners and the restructuring of NEPAD and the APRM, while highlighting significant resistance from member states—particularly within SADC—and the ongoing struggle for financial autonomy through the Kigali Financing Decision.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the challenges and pitfalls associated with relying on private sector investment to bridge Africa's infrastructure financing deficit. It argues that while private capital is often promoted for its speed and lack of conditionalities, it is significantly more expensive, risk-averse, and less focused on development outcomes than public or multilateral funding. The document recommends that African policymakers strengthen domestic capacity and strategically use public funds for social infrastructure and project preparation to enhance regional agency.

The June 2019 Bonn negotiations aim to build a foundation for higher climate ambition ahead of the UN Climate Action Summit. Key priorities include refining the Paris Rulebook's tools and rules to prevent double-counting of emissions, integrating IPCC science into national commitments (NDCs), and addressing the funding and operational effectiveness of the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, and the Warsaw International Mechanism for loss and damage.

This research paper examines the implementation of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Africa, using Zambia as a primary case study. It analyzes the benefits of trade facilitation for landlocked lower-middle-income countries, the role of the TFA Facility and donor assistance, and the specific challenges and successes of trade facilitation reforms at four of Zambia's strategic border posts.

This briefing argues that private sector development in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS) is not inherently peace-positive and can often increase fragility if not conflict-sensitive. It highlights the disincentives for businesses to engage in peacebuilding, including the risk of government reprisals and the potential loss of profits derived from unjust systems. The document calls for 'systems shapers'—those who finance and regulate the private sector—to prioritize corporate accountability and move away from 'de-risking' strategies that decouple corporate risk from socio-political impacts.

This fact sheet describes a research project by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), in partnership with the Southern Africa Trust and DFID, aimed at enhancing climate resilience in Southern Africa through the integration of marine and coastal Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) into national climate responses.

The April 2019 Peace & Security Council Report by the Institute for Security Studies examines critical stability challenges across Africa, focusing on the fragility of peace deals in the Central African Republic and South Sudan, the trend of constitutional amendments to extend presidential terms, and the escalating crises in Cameroon and Sudan.

This research paper evaluates the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), detailing its establishment in 2003 to improve governance through voluntary peer review. It describes a cycle of initial success, a period of decline between 2008 and 2016 characterized by leadership vacuums and financial mismanagement, and a recent phase of reinvigoration under the leadership of Professor Eddy Maloka and various African heads of state. While the mechanism has expanded its mandate to track Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals, the author argues that political reluctance to publish critical reports and a lack of high-level attendance continue to hinder its effectiveness.

A statement by Natural Justice and the Legal Resources Centre regarding a United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution aimed at promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in environmental governance.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs outlines the objectives and expected outcomes of the 4th Session of the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA-4). The session focuses on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, aiming to address unsustainable consumption and production patterns to support the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

The report 'Bùng nổ và thoái trào 2019' by Global Energy Monitor, Sierra Club, and Greenpeace analyzes global coal power plant trends in 2018. It highlights a general decline in new coal capacity, particularly in India and China, while noting a resurgence of construction in China due to the reactivation of previously frozen projects. The report also details the record-high closure of coal plants in the US and the growth of renewable energy in India and Vietnam.

The 'Boom and Bust 2019' report by Global Energy Monitor, Sierra Club, and Greenpeace tracks the global coal plant pipeline, noting a general decline in construction starts, pre-construction activity, and plant completions in 2018. While global trends show a shrinking pipeline and record retirements, China remains a significant exception due to the resumption of previously shelved projects and industry proposals for continued expansion.

This March 2019 report by Global Energy Monitor, Sierra Club, and Greenpeace analyzes global trends in coal-fired power plant capacity. It highlights a general decline in new construction and pre-construction activities, alongside record retirements, while noting that China remains a significant outlier due to the resumption of previously suspended projects and its role as a primary financier of coal infrastructure globally.