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This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs advocates for the upscaling of marine and coastal ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It highlights the vulnerability of coastal and island states to climate risks and argues that integrating EbA into national policies and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) can simultaneously address climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic development.

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.

This report examines the use of risk mitigation and transfer (RMT) instruments to enable utility-scale renewable energy investments in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). Through case studies in Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zambia, the authors analyze how financial instruments from development finance institutions (DFIs) help projects reach financial close by addressing offtaker, political, and currency risks. While RMTs have successfully protected existing projects during recent economic shocks, the report finds they are currently insufficient to enable new projects in countries facing severe debt distress, such as Zambia.

This case study discusses the role of coordinated investment promotion and regional value chains in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), specifically highlighting the proposed Pan-African Trade and Investment Agency and the potential for growth in the automotive sector.

This report by Global Energy Monitor and its partners analyzes the global state of coal-fired power plants as of April 2023. It highlights a stark divergence between China, where coal capacity is expanding rapidly, and the rest of the world, where new projects are declining. While the report notes that the 'return of coal' in Europe due to the energy crisis was minimal, it emphasizes that current retirement rates are insufficient to meet Paris Agreement goals, particularly in non-OECD countries.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates the 20-year history of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It details the mechanism's evolution from its 2003 inception to its current status as an AU-incorporated body with 43 member states, while highlighting systemic failures in implementation, slow review throughput, and the limited impact of its recommendations on overall continental governance.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that increasing climate change literacy across Africa is essential for moving from reactive coping mechanisms to transformative adaptation. It highlights significant gaps in public understanding of the human causes of climate change, particularly among women and rural populations, and advocates for the integration of climate literacy into education and national development agendas to build climate-resilient development pathways.

This report by the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) analyzes the implications of the European Green Deal (EGD) for the African private sector. It explores how Africa's abundance of critical minerals and renewable energy potential—particularly for green hydrogen—positions the continent as a strategic partner for the EU's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The document identifies financial, technological, and capacity-building opportunities for African companies, while warning against the risk of Africa remaining a mere resource supplier in an unequal partnership.

This report by the Global Center on Adaptation and the Climate and Development Knowledge Network documents 19 locally led adaptation (LLA) initiatives globally. It emphasizes the importance of devolving decision-making to the lowest appropriate level, addressing structural inequalities (particularly for women and Indigenous Peoples), and providing patient, predictable funding. The document highlights how communities use ecosystem restoration, circular economy practices, and intergenerational collaboration to build resilience, while calling for a shift in climate finance to better support holistic, community-defined priorities.

The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) has issued a call for concept notes for its 'From Knowledge to Action' program, which provides grants to African organizations to support locally-led, inclusive, and climate-resilient actions by mobilizing indigenous and local knowledge.

The Resilience Evidence Forum 2023 Synthesis Report documents a global gathering of over 1,200 participants aimed at taking stock of evidence on building resilience across people, communities, urban systems, socio-ecological systems, and market systems. The report emphasizes the need for 'locally led adaptation,' the integration of mixed-methods evidence (combining quantitative data with lived experience), and the bridging of funding gaps for climate resilience, noting that less than $50 billion is spent annually against needs of $160 billion to $340 billion.

The 'Cadre d´orientation des politiques minières de l'IGF' is a comprehensive guide published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in 2023. It provides a policy framework for the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) to support its 80 member countries in implementing sustainable mining laws and regulations. The guide is structured around six pillars: laws and institutions, financial benefits, socio-economic benefits, environmental management, mine closure transition, and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).

This policy brief examines ESG implementation in Chinese-led infrastructure projects in Africa and Southeast Asia. It identifies key challenges including lack of transparency in loan contracts, weak domestic regulatory environments in recipient countries, and inadequate planning for long-term local capacity and land acquisition. The document recommends that the AU and ASEAN create joint platforms for ESG standards, that recipient governments increase transparency through the publication of loan contracts, and that local capacity building be prioritized to ensure project sustainability.

The November 2022 Peace & Security Council Report by the Institute for Security Studies examines political instability in Tunisia, counter-terrorism strategies in the Sahel, and the security risks posed by acute food insecurity across Africa.

This fact sheet describes the Debt Management Programme conducted by the Macroeconomic and Financial Management Institute (MEFMI) and FSD Africa from February 2021 to September 2022. The programme focused on supporting government securities markets in MEFMI member countries to foster economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and build market resilience through debt sustainability analyses, database development, and the formulation of debt management strategies.

This report by the Alliance for Renewable Electrification (ARE) presents a portfolio of case studies demonstrating how decentralised renewable energy (DRE) solutions—including solar PV, nano-grids, and hydropower—enhanced community resilience and essential service delivery during and after the COVID-19 pandemic across various emerging economies.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the priorities and challenges for African nations leading up to COP27 in Egypt. It highlights the continent's push for climate justice, increased financial support for adaptation and loss and damage, and a 'just transition' that allows for the temporary use of natural gas to ensure energy security.

The Capital Markets Impact Report by FSD Africa details the organization's efforts to develop African capital markets to address financing gaps in infrastructure, housing, and climate resilience. The report outlines FSD Africa's strategic shift toward five priority countries—Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria—while maintaining a regional footprint. It highlights the use of technical assistance, grants, and direct investments to foster green and gender bonds, improve regulatory frameworks, and enhance market infrastructure to reduce dependency on bank-dominated financial sectors.

This report by the Global Resilience Partnership (GRP) provides an overview of the food systems context in southern Africa, focusing on the pivotal events of 2021. It details the drivers necessitating food systems transformation—such as climate change, urbanisation, and malnutrition—and summarizes the outcomes of major international summits (UNFSS, AGRF, COP26) and regional initiatives led by the Southern African Resilience Academy (SARA) to build climate-resilient and sustainable food systems.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the evolving relationship between the Republic of Korea and Africa, focusing on opportunities for collaboration in climate change and energy transition. It analyzes Korea's carbon-neutrality goals and the African Union's Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy (2022–2032) to identify synergies in renewable energy, green minerals, smart cities, and sustainable agriculture.