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This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the 2013 elections in Kenya and Zimbabwe, which followed periods of severe electoral violence in 2007 and 2008. The author examines how different levels of constitutional reform, the available lead-time before polling, and the influence of transitional justice and Western diplomatic pressure shaped the outcomes of these 'first-generation' elections.

This research paper examines the shifting landscape of Africa's extractive sector, noting the rise of emerging market companies and increasing pressure on all firms to demonstrate developmental and environmental contributions. It argues that Western and OECD companies can gain a competitive edge by adapting their business models to support local processing, reskilling workers, and enhancing transparency.

This research paper by the African Centre for Cities and the Climate and Development Knowledge Network proposes a framework for 'climate compatible development' in African cities, specifically focusing on informal settlements. It argues that because a significant portion of Africa's urban growth occurs in slums, climate resilience must be integrated with poverty alleviation and in situ upgrading to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the architecture of extractive governance in Africa, focusing on the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) and the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC). It argues that for these African-led initiatives to succeed, they must integrate ground-level research, avoid duplication of efforts, and leverage the experience of existing global and multilateral frameworks.

This research paper by Christopher Wood of the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the stalled negotiations of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union. The author identifies four primary obstacles—export taxes, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) clause, agricultural safeguards, and rules of origin—and proposes specific compromises to ensure the agreement's completion and successful implementation.

This research paper, published by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) in April 2014, examines strategies for implementing climate compatible development at the subnational level (cities, districts, and provinces) across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It identifies specific challenges, such as scientific uncertainty and limited resources, and highlights opportunities for local innovation and the use of indigenous knowledge. The paper provides a framework of effective strategies, including the use of knowledge partnerships and participatory processes, and discusses the necessity of scaling these local successes up to national levels and out to other jurisdictions to achieve global transformational change.

This research paper assesses the risks and mechanisms of double counting emission reductions within the UNFCCC framework. It identifies four primary types of double counting—double issuance, double claiming, double use, and double purpose—and evaluates current rules under the Kyoto Protocol and various voluntary schemes. The authors propose a comprehensive framework for a post-2020 climate regime, recommending a 'net flows' accounting approach, specific mechanism design principles to prevent double issuance, and the use of globally unique serial numbers for unit tracking.

An open letter from a coalition of social movements, NGOs, and activists to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, urging a revision of the official definition of 'forests' to better reflect the biological diversity and the needs of forest-dependent communities.

This briefing by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network examines the necessity and methods of integrating climate change into the post-2015 development agenda. It argues that climate change poses a grave threat to poverty eradication and sustainable development, while suggesting that 'climate-smart' goals and targets can simultaneously address development and environmental objectives.

This policy brief examines Africa's role in the international nuclear security framework, specifically in the context of the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague. It argues for the development of a continental nuclear security framework to ensure that international measures address real regional threats without hindering the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

This research paper by Carlos Milani analyzes the evolution of Brazilian foreign policy, specifically its South–South co-operation (SSC) strategies. It argues for a shift in conceptualizing foreign policy as a 'public policy' rather than a static state policy, reflecting a plurality of domestic actors and interests. The document details Brazil's engagement with Africa and other developing nations through technical co-operation, trade, and political coalitions like BRICS and IBSA, while noting the strategic role of both state agencies and private corporations in these efforts.

This briefing evaluates the G20's performance regarding the interests of sub-Saharan African countries, noting that South Africa is the only member from that region. The assessment uses five specific criteria to analyze summit outcomes and provides recommendations for improving G20 responsiveness to African concerns and increasing African influence on G20 policies.

This report, authored by Jessica Robinson of the Asia Sustainable Investment Association (ASrIA) for the 'Greening China's Financial Markets' project, examines how policy and regulatory innovations can incentivize the investment industry to integrate sustainability, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their strategies. It identifies systemic barriers such as 'short-termism' and a lack of standardized data, and proposes solutions including the reform of compensation structures, the implementation of carbon pricing, and the use of green investment banks to mobilize private capital for a low-carbon transition.

This research paper examines the state of transport infrastructure in central and northern Mozambique, focusing on how foreign investment in the mining and energy sectors is driving infrastructure development. The authors analyze whether these projects, often led by foreign companies due to limited state capacity, foster national development and regional integration or primarily serve resource extraction.

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 policy briefing assesses the responsiveness of the G-20 to the concerns of sub-Saharan Africa between 2008 and 2012. Using a five-factor framework—goals, international law, administrative practice, comprehensive coverage, and co-ordinated specialisation—the author evaluates G-20 summit outcomes to determine if the interests of African nations, most of which are not G-20 members, are being adequately addressed.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development analyzes policy failures in the governance, accountability, and transparency of financial market actors and proposes policy innovations to advance green finance, specifically focusing on how China can adopt these measures to green its financial markets.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzes the rules and governing structures of various investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) institutions. It identifies critical areas for reform—specifically transparency, arbitrator independence, and the consistency of awards—and evaluates how different institutional frameworks (intergovernmental versus non-governmental) impact the ability of states to implement these changes.

This report, prepared by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) and the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), distils the findings of the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report specifically for African decision-makers. It details the observed and projected climate changes across the continent, the resulting risks to food security, health, and economic growth, and the opportunities for adaptation and low-carbon development.

This executive summary distills the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report for African decision-makers, highlighting that Africa is already experiencing warming (0.5–2°C) and shifting rainfall patterns. It emphasizes that human activity is the dominant cause of this warming and warns of severe risks to food security, health, and economic growth, particularly in climate-sensitive primary sectors. The report advocates for integrated adaptation and mitigation strategies, noting that while further warming is inevitable in the coming decades, immediate adaptation can reduce risks and provide development benefits.