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This technical annex assesses progress toward Goal 10 of the New York Declaration on Forests, which focuses on strengthening forest governance, transparency, the rule of law, and the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs). The report utilizes three primary indicators: the strength of institutions and policies in producer and consumer countries, the prevalence of illegal logging and related violence, and the formal recognition of land and forest rights for IPLCs.

This research paper analyzes the economic constraints facing South Africa in the context of the #FeesMustFall student protests, specifically examining the 2015 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS). It details the government's struggle with rising debt, low growth, and the competing financial demands of social spending, infrastructure, and energy security.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) discusses the October 2015 IMF Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the region's economic challenges and South Africa's specific vulnerabilities in growth, energy, and exports.

This policy brief examines the alignment of Africa's maritime ambitions, specifically the African Union's 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIM Strategy), with the regional efforts of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). It highlights the challenges of institutional fragmentation and the need for improved communication and coordination to realize the economic and environmental potential of the Blue Economy.

This World Bank Group report provides a framework for using investment contracts to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of large-scale agricultural projects in developing countries. It identifies five key positive outcomes and five primary weaknesses associated with these investments, offering specific legal and contractual options to ensure sustainable development and the protection of local communities.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development discusses the intersection of climate change and peacebuilding in fragile states, arguing that climate risks can undermine development progress and drive conflict. It advocates for a dual approach involving climate-resilient peacebuilding and conflict-sensitive climate responses.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the potential of bond markets as an alternative to bank loans for financing large-scale infrastructure projects in Africa. It details various bond types—including municipal, corporate, sovereign, diaspora, and Islamic bonds—and analyzes the current state of bond markets in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. The author argues that while bonds offer lower borrowing costs and avoid equity dilution, their growth in Africa is hindered by underdeveloped secondary markets, weak regulatory frameworks, and a lack of institutional investors.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines the African Union's (AU) adoption of the Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection. It argues that while the convention is a positive step, African states face significant hurdles in ratification and implementation due to capacity gaps, free speech concerns, and the global nature of cybercrime.

This guide, produced by the Adaptation Finance Accountability Initiative (AFAI), provides a five-step methodology for civil society organizations (CSOs) to track climate change adaptation finance. It aims to improve transparency and accountability by helping CSOs gather evidence on funding flows from international donors to local communities, ultimately informing evidence-based advocacy to ensure resources reach the most vulnerable populations.

This special edition of Climate and Development Outlook describes the scoping phase of the Future Climate For Africa (FCFA) programme, a five-year international research initiative funded by the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). The programme focuses on improving the scientific understanding of sub-Saharan African climate on decadal timescales and enhancing the communication and uptake of this information for long-term climate-resilient development strategies.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines agricultural cooperatives as a model for inclusive investment. It details the types of cooperatives, their benefits for smallholders, the role of foreign investment in reducing risk and improving skills, and the necessary government support and legal frameworks to ensure their success without undue state interference.

This research paper by Khabele Matlosa examines the evolution of democratic governance in Africa, focusing on the relationship between the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG). It analyzes the transition from the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU), the challenges of implementing governance reviews and National Programmes of Action (NPoAs), and proposes strategic imperatives to enhance synergy between the AU's governance and peace architectures.

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 Institute for Security Studies presents three plausible scenarios for South Africa's economic and political trajectory up to 2030: 'Bafana Bafana' (continued underachievement), 'Mandela Magic' (high growth and vision), and 'Nation Divided' (political instability and populist decline). Using the International Futures forecasting system, the author analyzes how leadership choices, particularly within the African National Congress (ANC) and its alliance with COSATU, will impact GDP, employment, and social stability.

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 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 case study analyzes the IFC-PPCR project in Nepal, which seeks to integrate climate resilience into the private sector's business model within the agricultural sector. By providing grants for farmer training and creating a risk-sharing facility for commercial banks, the project aims to increase agricultural productivity and income for 15,000 farmers while ensuring long-term profitability for agribusinesses. While early results are promising, the study highlights risks such as low farmer adoption and market price volatility, and notes that replicating this model in other LDCs like Zambia, Mozambique, and Niger is hindered by poor investment climates and data gaps.

This policy briefing examines the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) within the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), arguing that the process can transform non-state actors from adversaries into governance partners. While the APRM mandates CSO inclusion in national assessments and governing structures, the author identifies significant challenges in maintaining momentum post-review and ensuring the quality of representation. The document provides recommendations for governments to involve CSOs in the implementation phase and for CSOs to leverage their exposure to state dynamics for sustained policy dialogue.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs provides three primary recommendations for Dr Tax, the new Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), focusing on the implementation of existing commitments, improved private sector engagement, and increased transparency of regional processes.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes Mozambique's foreign policy from independence in 1975 through 2013. It argues that Mozambique has employed a strategy of 'pragmatic non-alignment' to secure external support for national development, evolving through three distinct phases: the liberation and civil war period, a phase of post-conflict consolidation and 'normalisation', and a current era focused on attracting foreign direct investment following the discovery of vast coal and gas reserves.