Search Climate Insights Directory

This research paper examines the drivers and consequences of the increased issuance of Eurobonds and sovereign credit ratings in Africa. It argues that while Eurobonds were intended to reduce reliance on aid, the dominance of the 'big three' rating agencies—Moody's, Fitch, and Standard & Poor's—has often led to deteriorating credit ratings, higher borrowing costs, and constrained policy space for African governments, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This policy brief by the Africa Policy Research Institute examines the evolving nature of sovereign debt in Africa, highlighting a shift from traditional multilateral creditors to private bondholders and emerging economies like China. It argues that current debt relief mechanisms are insufficient because they lack statutory, human rights-based frameworks and fail to compel the participation of private creditors, leaving African nations vulnerable to economic shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic.

This policy brief by the Africa Policy Research Institute examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa, highlighting the tension between the continent's central role in the AI supply chain and the dominance of foreign technologies. It analyzes emerging national AI strategies in Egypt, Mauritius, and Rwanda, and discusses risks associated with biometric surveillance, precarious digital labor, and the limitations of adopting European regulatory frameworks like the GDPR and the EU AI Act.

This statement from the Africa Policy Research Institute and other signatories condemns the travel restrictions imposed on Southern African countries following the detection of the Omicron variant. The authors argue that these bans are scientifically unjustified, racially biased, and economically damaging, while highlighting a systemic failure in global vaccine equity.

This research paper examines the alignment and divergence between the European Union and African nations regarding the OECD's two-pillar solution for taxing the digital economy. It highlights the specific concerns of African states and regional bodies—such as the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and the G24—concerning profit reallocation, dispute resolution, and the impact of minimum taxes on investment incentives, while suggesting areas where the EU could provide technical and diplomatic support.

This research paper argues that African countries must strategically and collectively mobilize climate finance both within and outside the UNFCCC system, as developed nations have failed to meet their financial commitments and are increasingly providing support through debt-increasing loans.

This research paper by the Africa Policy Research Institute argues that Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) must leverage the global clean energy transition to drive industrialization and address severe energy deficits. The author proposes that the region utilize a combination of green industrial policies, strategic use of natural gas for baseload power, and the leveraging of critical mineral reserves to move up the global value chain, while insisting that the transition must account for the economic differences between developed and developing nations.

This report examines the role of indigenous knowledge systems in enhancing climate change adaptation and disaster management in Africa. It argues that integrating traditional knowledge with scientific forecasting can bridge critical data gaps, improve the accuracy of early warning systems, and increase the resilience of vulnerable farming communities.

This research paper argues that South Africa should adopt Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies to transition toward a cashless economy, thereby reducing the risks associated with cash-in-transit (CIT) hijackings and enhancing its investment appeal despite high rates of cybercrime.

This research paper argues that for Africa to achieve a 'just transition' to a lower carbon economy, it must move from being a consumer to a producer of green technologies. The author emphasizes the need for strategic industrial policy, the utilization of the AfCFTA to create regional value chains, and the preservation of policy space against premature trade liberalization and 'green-washed protectionism' from developed nations.

This briefing argues that African governments should avoid a zero-sum approach to the geopolitical rivalry between the US and China, instead leveraging this competition to secure more resources and better trade agreements. The author suggests that by playing rivals against each other and implementing embedded domestic strategic plans, African nations can increase their agency and align foreign investment with national development priorities.

This briefing examines the implications of the European Green Deal (EGD) for African nations, identifying opportunities and risks across seven key sectors. It provides strategic recommendations for both EU and African policymakers to ensure the transition supports Africa's development priorities and moves the EU-Africa relationship toward a mutually beneficial partnership.

This report summarizes a webinar titled 'State of Africa’s Digital Agenda' held on October 20, 2021, by the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) and the University of Johannesburg. The event aimed to map the progress and gaps in the implementation of digital strategies across African nations and discuss a coordinated approach to the continent's digital transformation.

This policy brief examines the impact of the G7's proposal on the taxation of the digitalised economy on African countries, arguing that the US-led amendments to the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework (IF) favor developed nations and risk reducing tax revenues for developing economies.

This document outlines the nine strategic pillars of the Critical Minerals Mission for Sustainable Strategic Advantage (CMMSSA), a framework designed to transform South Africa's critical minerals sector. The strategy focuses on moving from raw mineral exports to local beneficiation, enhancing geoscience mapping, improving infrastructure, and fostering regional integration within Southern Africa to support the global energy transition.

This document consists of four case study profiles detailing locally-led climate adaptation practices in Ghana. It covers organic shea processing in the West Gonja District, climate-smart agriculture in the Savannah and northern regions, flood response in the peri-urban area of Aboabo, and coastal erosion management in Keta town. Across these regions, common themes include the use of community-based organizations, the alignment of local actions with Ghana's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and persistent challenges regarding financial resources and institutional support.

This document provides three case studies on climate adaptation in Nigeria. In Ogun state, communities use agricultural waste for biogas to reduce reliance on fuelwood and protect forests. In Lagos state, fish farmers employ deeper boreholes and specialized pond enclosures to maintain aquaculture productivity. In Anambra state, residents use erosion-resistant trees and sandbags to mitigate gully erosion. All three regions report challenges regarding limited financial services and insufficient government support.

This document presents three case study profiles from Senegal focusing on community-led climate adaptation in agriculture (Daga Birame), coastal erosion (Dionewar), and health (Widou Thiengoly). It details the specific practices, outcomes, and challenges associated with these local initiatives and their alignment with Senegal's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).