This Brief seeks to address the lack of systematic, comparable data on Russia’s engagement in West Africa. Such data is crucial for assessing the threat posed by Russian-sponsored FIMI, which often serves as a tool to advance broader strategic objectives in regions where Russia seeks to expand its influence
Shifting alliances in West Africa: Measuring Russian engagement to support counter-FIMI strategies
European Union Institute for Security Studies
The Ecological Threat Report 2024 identifies 50 countries, home to 1.3 billion people, facing severe ecological threats. These challenges, ranging from water scarcity to food insecurity, are not merely environmental concerns – they are multipliers of social tension and catalysts for conflict. However, amidst these sobering findings, we have identified clear, actionable solutions.
Ecological Thereat Report COP29 Edition
Institute for Economics & Peace
In Somalia, widespread energy poverty and a heavy reliance on conventional energy sources are deeply linked to ongoing conflict dynamics. Dependence on firewood and charcoal worsens environmental degradation and intensifies competition over natural resources
Solar Power And Environmental Peacebuilding In South-Central Somalia
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
Critical minerals like cobalt, lithium and copper are vital for the global economy and the defense industry. Recognizing their importance, major and middle powers are striving to secure reliable access for themselves. China in particular has grown its influence in these markets, controlling a significant portion of the world’s mining operations and refining capacities.
Reading of the Week: Accessing Africas critical raw materials
Geopolitical Intelligence Services
As we approach 2030, Africa’s young population stands at the forefront of economic transformation. Youth and women entrepreneurs have had a profound impact on their communities and the continent at large. Their energy, resilience, and creativity are not just changing the landscape of business in Africa-they are driving the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The future of African youth and women in entrepreneurship: Leading Africa to 2030
The Brookings Institution
The share of humanity who live in conditions of poverty has been falling since at least 1980. Measured as the proportion of people who live on less than $2.15 a day, the figure has declined from above 40% to below 10% – or from 2 billion to fewer than 750 million in absolute terms (Hasell, 2022; Carbone & Ragazzi, 2023; Roser, 2024).
Decade of destitution? Severe lived poverty is surging in many African countries
Afro Barometer
The integration of technology in governance has created transformative possibilities across the world, enhancing the provision of public services. Africa has also benefitted from this wave of digital transformation. Introducing big data applications into governance systems in Africa presents enormous potential for overcoming challenges, including corruption, inefficiency, and poor service delivery.
Technology for Better Governance: Insights from Public Health Systems in Kenya
Observer Research Foundation
The next three sections of this paper examine the situation surrounding the ongoing sovereign debt restructurings involving Afreximbank and TDB. The subsequent two sections assess the broader evolution of Southern-led MDBs and the policy framework guiding how the IMF evaluates them, followed by conclusions and policy considerations.
What makes an MDB an MDB?
Overseas Development Institute
Africa is at the heart of the green energy transition, as reserves of many of the critical minerals required to power the clean energy transition are located on the continent. This gives Africa a key opportunity to leverage the global demand for those minerals while reducing the funding gap and helping the continent meet its development objectives.
New Mechanism for Mitigating Currency Risk to Support Africas Energy Transition
African Development Bank Group
Les perturbations successives des chaînes d’approvisionnement durant la décennie 2010 et les premières années de la décennie 2020 ont incité les décideurs politiques et économiques, notamment aux États-Unis et en Europe, à réfléchir à des moyens pour atténuer les risques associés à une forte dépendance vis-à-vis d’un nombre limité de fournisseurs, en particulier la Chine
Minerais critiques: positionner lAfrique dans la recomposition mondiale
Le Grand Continent
Les perturbations successives des chaînes d’approvisionnement durant la décennie 2010 et les premières années de la décennie 2020 ont incité les décideurs politiques et économiques, notamment aux États-Unis et en Europe, à réfléchir à des moyens pour atténuer les risques associés à une forte dépendance vis-à-vis d’un nombre limité de fournisseurs, en particulier la Chine
Minerais critiques: positionner lAfrique dans la recomposition mondiale
Le Grand Continent
Libya’s economic outlook relies heavily on the oil and gas sector, which constitutes a significant portion of its GDP, government revenue, and exports. With oil production expected to average 1.1 mbpd in 2024, GDP is anticipated to shrink by 2.7 percent this year
Libya Economic Monitor, Fall 2024: Stabilizing Growth and Boosting Productivity
World Bank
This report looks at the factors that impact the vulnerability of youth who are migrants in Sudan and Ethiopia. Sudan and Ethiopia are important migration crossroads in East Africa, and routes through this region are characterised by a substantial risk of abuse. The study presents a statistical analysis based on data collected in 2022–2023 in Sudan and Ethiopia
A Statistical Analysis of Migrant Youth Vulnerability in Sudan & Ethiopia
Mixed Migration Centre
In order for Egypt to respond effectively to the alarming environmental threats it faces, it must bring the large number of military-managed projects and production in the civilian domain under a single, integrated national framework for climate change mitigation and adaptation planning, monitoring, and accountability.
Do No Harm: Toward an Environmental Audit of Military-Managed Civilian Projects in Egypt
Carnegie Middle East Center
China closely aligns its global security expansion with its economic strategy, particularly in Africa’s Maghreb and Sahel regions. This relationship has historical roots, with China beginning engagement there as early as the 1950s by supporting national movements and decolonization efforts.
Chinas military and private security inroads in Africa
Geopolitical Intelligence Services
The Africa Gender (AGI) is an authoritative source of data on gender equality and women’s empowerment in Africa. It draws together statistics from all 54 African countries across three dimensions (economic, social and empowerment & representation) into a single index. This enables African countries to track not only their own progress over time but also against regional peers.
Reading of the Week: Africa Gender Index 2023 Analytical Report
African Development Bank Group
Russian information operations in Africa are a tool to expand Russia’s presence on the continent and to turn African countries into allies of Russia in its confrontation with the West. This article focuses on the ideological content of Russian information influence in African countries-specifically a set of narratives and ideas that Russia seeks to root in the information environment of African countries.
Ideological Agenda of Russian Information Influence in Africa
The Foreign Policy Research Institute
In early September 2024, China gathered fifty-three high-level African delegations-thirty-six of which were led by heads of state and prime ministers-to the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit. Few countries can pretend to have such convening power, especially when it comes to Africa.
What FOCAC 2024 Reveals About the Future of China-Africa Relations
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
The report represents a comprehensive analysis of the linkages between climate change and migration in Africa. Emphasis is given to the importance of recognizing the interlinkages between environmental and migration issues, with a view to undertaking comprehensive and multidimensional assessments that can feed into the design and development of sustainable and actionable policies across Africa.
African migration report: climate change and migration in Africa
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Biodiversity is the foundation for security: myriad micro-organisms filter and purify fresh water, the most basic essential for survival; pollinators hold the front line of food production; complex interactions across ecosystems regulate pests and disease vectors; forests, lakes, and coral reefs sustain livelihoods and economic stability.
Gone Fishing: A Biodiversity Loss Security Scenario in the Lake Victoria Basin
Council on Strategic Risks
In Somalia, climate change disproportionately disrupts agricultural and pastoral livelihoods, driving harmful practices, such as resource overexploitation, which exacerbate conflicts. To address these challenges, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) promotes regenerative agriculture as a part of a broader environmental peacebuilding approach aiming to replace negative coping strategies with sustainable practices for long-term resilience
Cultivating Change: Regenerative Agriculture and Peacebuilding in South-central Somalia
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
Situated at the northwest borders of the continent, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco has established itself as a stable and dynamic economy and a gateway to Africa. A part of the Maghreb and Arab world, the country has for many decades embraced a policy of economic and financial openness, aiming to integrate its economy into global markets
How Africas Youth Can Change Its Destiny - The Case of Morocco
Policy Center For The New South
The Central African Republic (CAR) is highly exposed to the impacts of climate change due to socioecological vulnerabilities and ongoing insecurity. Drivers of vulnerability include the absence of state authority, natural resource mismanagement, and low household and community resilience. Although the security situation has improved in recent years, it remains volatile
Climate, Peace and Security Fact Sheet: Central African Republic
Norwegian Institute of International Affairs and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
Whilst disinformation in politics predates the digital era, “the rapid expansion of access to mobile internet and to social media, combined with big data from platforms such as Facebook, Google and X, enabling the micro-targeting of millions of citizens with different messages for specific demographic groups, or individuals, has dramatically increased the reach and impact of digital disinformation”.
Countering digital disinformation: Opportunities for Europe-Africa collaboration
European Think Tanks Group
Africa has emerged as a pivotal partner in China’s Maritime Silk Road Initiative (MSRI), the maritime dimension of Beijing’s flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). One of the key footholds for Chinese inroads has been the Mombasa Port, located on Kenya’s south-eastern coast. Mombasa-the largest and busiest port in East Africa-serves as a gateway for landlocked countries in Africa and is central to regional trade.
Significance of Mombasa Port for Chinese outreach in Africa
Observer Research Foundation
Highly vulnerable to climate change and already facing significant climate impacts, the countries of East Africa require both domestic and international climate finance to meet their climate goals, adapt to the impacts of climate change and build resilience. This study analyses the public international climate-related development finance reaching Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, the three largest countries in the East Africa region.
Climate finance in East Africa
Danish Institute for International Studies
Ghana, Africa’s largest gold producer, launched its first refinery in August this year. The raw gold will come from the artisanal mining sector mainly because large, predominantly foreign-owned companies supply gold mined in Ghana to refineries outside Ghana in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and India.
Illegal mining digs up multiple problems in Ghana
Enhancing Africa's response to transnational organised crime
Since 2021, the Russian Orthodox Church has established an expanded presence in Africa, in competition with the Greek Orthodox Church in Alexandria, Egypt. Facing condemnation from the West since its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has sought to expand its influence in Africa with soft power in addition to a military presence in the form of first the Wagner Group and now Africa Corps.
Reading of the Week: Russias Influence in Africa - The Role of the Russian Orthodox Churc
Foreign Policy Research Institute
In September 2024, authorities in Benin detained the country’s former sports minister and a prominent businessman for allegedly plotting a coup against the West African nation’s president, Patrice Talon. Had a putsch materialized, Benin would have joined a growing list of African countries to have experienced a military coup over the past four years.
Civilian Support for Military Coups Isnt a Bug - Its a Feature
Baker Institute for Public Policy
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which replaced AMISOM in 2022, is a UN peacekeeping mission with the mandate to support the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in combating al-Shabaab and securing the country. As ATMIS is set to conclude by December 2024, discussions are underway for a follow-on mission, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), to ensure continued support and prevent a security vacuum.
ATMIS Transition and Post-ATMIS Security Arrangements in Somalia
International Peace Institute
An estimated ten thousand cattle rustlers attacked an Eastern Equatoria community on 23 April, killing 32 people, stealing 16 000 head of cattle from herders - and abducting over 100 women and children. The abduction of women and children during cattle raids is fairly common along the South Sudan-Ethiopia border.
Cultural practices and state weaknesses drive South Sudan-Ethiopia abductions
Enhancing Africa's response to transnational organised Crime
The Africa-Europe adaptation partnership is facing significant challenges, with slow progress on the adaptation finance agenda at the heart of the issue. The optimistic rhetoric of “Two Unions, a Joint Vision” from the 6th European Union-African Union Summit in 2022 failed to reflect the underlying tensions. Africa’s frustration is growing due to the widening finance gap and lack of transparency, while the European Union appears increasingly fatigued by Africa’s criticism
How the EU Can Reset Its Adaptation Partnership with Africa
Instituto Affari Internazionali
The long-running feud between Libya’s competing authorities over the Central Bank has flared up again, threatening an economic crisis that could lead to unrest. The parties should press ahead with UN-backed mediation to achieve a resolution.
Getting past Libyas Central Bank standoff
International Crisis Group
The 2024 BRICS summit, to be held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22-24, will take place amid an increasingly tense geopolitical atmosphere. The crises in the Middle East and Ukraine are likely to dominate the agenda, as member states explore the future of the alliance and their nations’ roles within it.
South-Africa faces new dynamics at BRICS summit
Geopolitical Intelligence Services
The bilateral relationship between Morocco and India has passed through three distinct phases, culminating in the current stage of strategic partnership. Initially marked by diplomatic formalities and limited engagement, the relationship gradually transitioned into a period of economic and cultural exchange, laying the groundwork for more substantial collaboration.
This Policy Paper analyzes the historical trajectory of Morocco-India relations, tracing the development from these early interactions to the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Morocco-India partnership: Field of strength to be explored
Policy Center For The New South
Absent rapid reform, Tunisia’s economic policies will plunge the country into an abyss. Already, a financial crisis is brewing. This is the worrisome outcome of the path the country has followed since President Kais Saied’s power grab in July 2021. The path is underpinned by two main aspects of economic policy.
Tunisias Economy in the Eye of the Storm
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Avec une croissance de 3,4% par an au cours de la période 1980-2019, la Mauritanie a enregistré de bonnes performances économiques au cours des quatre décennies précédant la période de Covid-19, qui l’ont fait passer au rang de pays à « revenu intermédiaire de la tranche inférieure ».
Impulser la transformation de la Mauritanie par la réforme de l'architecture financière mondiale
African Development Bank Group
Burkina Faso, a low-income country in the Sahel region of Africa, has improved many of its human development indicators in recent decades, including reducing child mortality rates. This has been achieved in part through investing to improve nutrition and women’s access to health care through the Universal Health Insurance Scheme
Improving food security and child health in Burkina Faso in a changing climate
The London School of Economics and Political Science
Protests in Kenya began on June 18, triggered by the country’s treasury announcing a set of revenue-raising measures.
The new levies included a 16 percent sales tax on bread, a 25 percent duty on cooking oil and the introduction of an
“eco tax” on several basic products. The measures were approved in the Kenyan National Assembly on June 20
Dysfunction and disillusionment in Kenya
Geopolitical Intelligence Services AG
In July, Iran and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) resumed diplomatic relations after eight years of a bilateral nadir. The agreement was already signed in October 2023, but the new Iranian ambassador, Hassan Shah Hosseini, was only received by SAF’s chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who dispatched a Sudanese ambassador to Tehran more than half a year later.
A New Old Player in Town: Reconciliation between Sudan and Iran and its Regional Implications
Brussels International Center
Le Bénin est confronté à des défis environnementaux majeurs liés à la pollution. Les principaux facteurs contribuant à cette situation préoccupante sont la croissance démographique rapide, l'urbanisation galopante et le développement industriel non réglementé.
Les Béninois restent sur leur soif en matière de lutte contre la pollution
Afro Barometer
The paper presents an overview of key migration trends in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. It discusses the domestic implications of an increase in migrant arrivals and analyses how governments have approached this issue.
Maghreb migrations: How North Africa and Europe can work together on sub-Saharan migration
European Council on Foreign Relations
A U.S.-led peace initiative to end Sudan’s brutal civil war took place in Geneva over the last two weeks. But despite invitations and extensive international pressure, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) declined to send a delegation to Switzerland altogether, while the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) sent a delegation.
Reading of the Week: Without Sudans Warring Parties in Geneva, Whats Next for Peace Talks?
United States Institute of Peace
Somalia is experiencing significant impacts of climate change, including higher air temperatures, increased evaporation and more variable inter annual rainfall, all of which lead to more frequent and severe droughts and floods. These changes have direct consequences for the estimated 72 per cent of the national population that relies on farming and pastoralism.
From conflict to collaboration: Co-funding environmental peacebuilding in South-Central Somalia
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
Le contexte du Burkina Faso se caractérise par une crise sécuritaire depuis 2015, une crise humanitaire et alimentaire et une instabilité politique, affectant ainsi les perspectives économiques du pays. Le Burkina Faso, affecté par les changements climatiques, a une économie peu diversifiée et vulnérable aux chocs externes.
Rapport Pays 2024 - Burkina Faso - Impulser la transformation du Burkina Faso par la réforme de larchitecture financière mondiale
African Development Bank Group
In South Sudan, climate impacts-most clearly in the form of flooding and drought-have contributed to mass displacement, exacerbated resource and food scarcity, and dramatically affected agricultural and grazing patterns. As in other contexts, these phenomena do not alone explain the persistent conflict and political violence that have seized South Sudan in the short time since its independence.
To Stem the Tide: Climate Change, UNMISS, and the Protection of Civilians
Center for Civilians in Conflict
Both the G20 and BRICS+ are critical global groupings for economic and geostrategic reasons. Thirty years ago, G7 countries constituted nearly 70 per cent of the global economy. In contrast, by 2024, the BRICS+ bloc accounted for approximately 35 per cent of the world’s GDP, compared to the 30 per cent held by G7 countries. Meanwhile, G20 countries represent 85 per cent of the global economy, 75 per cent of global trade, and 62 per cent of the world’s population.
South Africas G20 Presidency: Tapping into Africas Potential through Financial, Climate and Food System Reform
Istituto Affari Internazionali
One of Africa’s longest wars shifted toward a conclusion in July when France recognized Morocco’s claim of sovereignty over the Western Sahara. That action, alongside Morocco’s military advantage, effectively will leave the indigenous Sahrawi independence movement with no choice but to eventually settle for some form of autonomy within Morocco.
While this reality will be unsatisfactory for the estimated 173,000 Sahrawis living in refugee camps, their best option, and that of their backer, Algeria, is now to seize the opportunity to negotiate for best-possible peace terms with Morocco.
Western Saharas conflict is over. Negotiating the terms comes next
United States Institute Of Peace
Sudan’s protracted and deadly war is not merely a civil conflict, as is often, and sloppily, claimed. Rather, it represents a complex struggle deeply rooted in the nation’s fraught transition to democracy. Following the end of Omar al-Bashir's thirty-year authoritarian rule, Sudan has faced numerous challenges in establishing a stable, civilian-led government.
Sudans War is Anything But Civil
Brussels International Center
The African Union (AU) will attend the next G20 Summit as a full member under Brazil’s presidency in November 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, having been admitted to the group last year. This marks a significant step forward in amplifying Africa’s voice in global forums. Established in 2002 as the successor to the Organization of African Unity (founded in 1963), the AU aims to promote political and economic integration across the continent.
How the African Union Can Amplify Its Influence in the G20
Policy Center for the New South
Negotiations between African governments and foreign investors are often characterized by the various skills, technical capacities, and information asymmetries that shape the balance of power and influence outcomes. The dynamics of these negotiations—in pursuing extractive and infrastructure projects, in particular—merit a special focus, as agreements to carry them out often bind African countries for several decades.
Maximizing the Benefits of the Renewed Global Interest in Africas Strategic Minerals
Carnegie Endowment For International Peace
Since 2003, US airstrikes in Somalia have caused significant civilian harm, though most reported incidents of civilian harm have been deemed “unsubstantiated” by US Africa Command (AFRICOM). In the few cases the US military has deemed credible, the Department of Defense (DoD) has not provided a response beyond public acknowledgment that it mistakenly killed civilians.
Extend Your Hand: Civilian Preferences for Amends in Somalia
Center for Civilians In Conflict
The March 23 Movement, commonly known as M23, has been a significant actor in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This conflict, often referred to as a forgotten war, has been overshadowed by other conflicts, despite its profound impact on the region and its people.
A Forgotten War and an Overshadowed Ceasefire
International Centre for Counter-Terrorism
Demand for critical minerals is expected to skyrocket in the decades ahead. These minerals — such as copper, cobalt and lithium, among others — power the electronics we use every day and are essential for transitioning to greener energy technologies. The U.S. is increasingly working with African partners to develop the continent’s abundant critical minerals, an effort that is vital to advancing U.S. economic and national security interests
The Lobito Corridor: A U.S. Bet on Africas Critical Mineral Development
United States Institute of Peace
Japan is stepping up its diplomatic engagement with Africa. Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko visited Madagascar, Côte d'Ivoire, and Nigeria, as part of a 6-country tour from April 26 to May 6, 2024. Her trip was Japan’s fourth high-level trip to Africa in the span of a year, including a visit by Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in May 2023.
Japans High-Level Africa Diplomacy
Center for Strategic & International Studies
In 2023, Tunisia emerged as the primary country of embarkation for irregular migrants seeking to reach Europe, eclipsing Libya, which had long been the main North African departure point. In total, some 97 306 migrants arrived in Italy from Tunisia, just over three times as many as in 2022.
Reading of the Week: Tunisia. Irregular Migration Reaches Unprecedented Levels
Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
With scarce arable land and water resources, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia depend heavily on food imports, as do other Gulf countries. The COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine war, and negative impacts of climate change exacerbated the challenge and exposed the vulnerability of their existing food supply chains.
UAE and Saudi Arabias agricultural diplomacy in Africa: Competition, cooperation and its strategic implications
Observer Research Foundation
The prospect of Maghreb states’ unity in transforming the oil-rich North Africa, once the breadbasket of the Mediterranean, into a more integrated region of stability and growth was buried at the Carthage summit in April 2024 with the launch of a tripartite initiative bringing together Tunisia, Algeria and Libya, nicknamed the G3.
Reading Of The Week: Will the G3 of Maghreb states reshape the balance of power in North Africa?
Manara
The Multi-Partner Somalia Infrastructure Fund (SIF) was established in October 2016 with the key objective of supporting Somalia to develop and rehabilitate key infrastructure, rebuild institutions, and reinforce economic governance. This report provides an update on the Fund’s activities covering the period January to December 2023.
Somalia infrastructure fund 2023 annual progress report
African Development Bank Group
The present report, submitted pursuant to paragraph 47 of Security Council resolution 2717 (2023), covers developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 20 March to 19 June 2024. It describes the progress and challenges in the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
United Nations (UN)
A new major battle broke out in the North Darfur city of El Fasher, which has been surrounded since April by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). El Fasher is the only capital city in Darfur that is still controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The SAF, backed by its allies, managed to conduct multiple offensive maneuvers on RSF strongholds in rural territories in North Darfur. During the clashes, the SAF claimed to have inflicted several casualties on the RSF, including killing the local operation commander.
Fighting deepens around El Fasher in Sudan, al-Shabaab loses territory in Somalia, and police crackdown on tax-related protests in Kenya
Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED)
Nigeria has relied on the United States (US) for support in its efforts to combat a variety of armed opposition groups (AOGs), and the US considers Nigeria a key partner in West Africa. Nigeria faces formidable security challenges as AOGs across the country harm civilians and threaten livelihoods.
US Security Assistance to Nigeria: Civilian Protection Gaps and Opportunities
Center for Civilians in Conflict
This report explores trends in renewable energy investment, finance and policy in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a view to unlocking the potential of renewable energy as an important lever of socio-economic development in the region.
Sub-Saharan Africa: Policies and finance for renewable energy deployment
International Renewable Energy Agency
L'indice de réglementation de l'électricité (ERI) mesure le niveau de développement et de mise en œuvre des réglementations dans le secteur de l'électricité d'un pays. Il évalue non seulement le développement et la mise en œuvre des réglementations, mais aussi l'effet de la réglementation sur les acteurs et les parties prenantes du secteur de l'électricité. Cela inclut les entreprises de distribution d'électricité et le consommateurs.
Indice de réglementation de lélectricité pour lAfrique - Méthodologie détaillée
Africa Energy Portal
The political landscape in Europe has shifted noticeably to the right as a result of the EU parliamentary elections. In this Megatrends Afrika Spotlight, Benedikt Erforth and Niels Keijzer (IDOS) shed light on the consequences this could have for EU-Africa relations.
The European Parliament Elections: What Can We Expect for Africa-EU Relations?
Megatrends Afrika
By February 2023, the hunger crisis in Africa reached critical levels, with approximately 146 million people facing crisis or worse levels of acute food insecurity across sub-Saharan Africa. This crisis was driven by a confluence of climatic shocks, including prolonged droughts and recurrent flooding, compounded by conflicts, economic downturns, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Africa Hunger Crisis - Operational Update 5
ReliefWeb
Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries (CCIs) illustrate the dynamic interplay between cultural production and economic growth. Through Nollywood and Afrobeat, Nigeria has effectively leveraged its creative capital to strengthen its economy and broaden its global cultural influence.
Cultural Flows: The Development and Global Influence of Nigerias Creative Industries
Policy Center for the New South
Working Group (SWG) is conducting a four-part discussion series aiming to ensure a diverse range of civilian voices are taken into consideration by the United States and other international actors as they develop and implement policies regarding Sudan.
How to support Sudanese civilian efforts to form an effective bloc that will advocate for peace, humanitarian assistance and inclusive democratic governance in Sudan
Wilson Center
In Africa, agriculture contributes about 15% of total GDP on average, employs more than half of the total labor force, and within the rural population, provides livelihoods for multitudes of smalls-scale producers whose farms constitute approximately 80% of all farms in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) (OECD-FAO, 2016).
READING OF THE WEEK: Feed Africa Strategy 2016 - 2025
African Development Bank Group
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is up for renewal this year. AGOA is a cornerstone of US-Africa economic relations, and has enjoyed bipartisan support for nearly a quarter century. But it's showing its age. A lot has changed since Bill Clinton signed the bill back in 2000—not least, the rise of China as a global manufacturing powerhouse.
Nine Ideas to Improve AGOA
Center For Global Development
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is up for renewal this year. AGOA is a cornerstone of US-Africa economic relations, and has enjoyed bipartisan support for nearly a quarter century. But it's showing its age. A lot has changed since Bill Clinton signed the bill back in 2000—not least, the rise of China as a global manufacturing powerhouse.
Nine Ideas to Improve AGOA
Center for Global Development
The representation of women, particularly in peace processes, often excludes women’s voices, their shared experiences, and their contributions. This can be seen in the limited recognition of women’s contributions in historical narratives and the frequent portrayal of women solely as victims and vulnerable.
HIDDEN FIGURES: Women navigating a culture of exclusion in peace and conflict resolution processes
Rift Valley Institute
This research note examines the implementation of property tax in Liberia. Based on original fieldwork data, the note analyses taxpayers' perceptions of the new tax system in the light of their experiences with public services, development projects and the political system.
Grand Bassa and the 50/50 tax pilot: A brilliant idea, but...
Norwegian Institute of International Affairs
Adoption of digital technologies is widely acknowledged to boost productivity and employment, stimulate investment, and promote growth and development. Africa has already benefited from a rapid diffusion of information and communications technology, characterized by the widespread adoption of mobile phones.
Digital Opportunities in African Businesses
World Bank Group
There are ongoing debates in Western capitals and global media on whether China is experiencing a serious economic slowdown, whether the economy is on the verge of collapse, and how a collapse may impact the rest of the world.
How Is Chinas Economic Transition Affecting Its Relations With Africa?
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
A universally acknowledged truth is that there must be something inexplicably wrong with Africa. How can a continent endowed with so much natural wealth be so poor? How can a green desert be possible? Whatever bad leadership, colonial vestiges, social fractures or other negative forces are at work in Africa must be worse than everywhere else to make this paradox make sense.
The strategic mirage of Africas green minerals wealth
Overseas Development Institute
L'intégration de l'Intelligence Artificielle (IA) en Afrique laisse entrevoir des perspectives prometteuses et pose des défis substantiels. Si certains pays du continent se distinguent par leur engagement et eurs avancées dans la préparation à l'adoption de l'IA, d'autres font face à des obstacles majeurs, tels que les inégalités structurelles et les fractures numériques.
LIntelligence Artificielle en Afrique: defis et opportunites
Policy Center
South Africa’s 29 May election has been tipped as the most important since the first democratic poll in 1994 and an important inflection point. Most polls have indicated that the ruling ANC will lose its majority but retain a leading role in national government and most of the provinces.
As South Africas pivotal election looms, its citizens will play a key role in ensuring its credibility
Chatham house
This research paper charts these dynamics, exploring their drivers and impacts. It focuses on how different actors – including government armed forces, local elites, and militias and rebel groups in border regions – have competed for control of farmlands, sesame production and trade. The paper also proposes solutions that might help to reduce violence and promote stabilization by addressing internal and transnational conflict dynamics affecting Ethiopia and Sudan.
The Conflict economy of sesame in Ethiopia and Sudan
Chatham House
The ‘Accelerating Private Sector Investments in Green Mini-Grids’ report, as a key takeaway from the ARE Energy Access Investment Forum 2023, presents an overview of the Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) mini-grids sector in Africa, highlighting its potential to meet the continent’s electricity access challenge.
Accelerating private sector investments in green mini-grids
African Development Bank Group
Since the early 2000s, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has identified the Nile Delta as one of the parts of the world most vulnerable to climate change impacts, including sea-level rise and rising temperatures. The climate crisis is compounding an already difficult situation in the delta: Egypt is experiencing sustained demographic growth, gaining 1 million residents every seven months.
Reading of the Week: Sea-Level Rise in the Nile Delta: Promoting Adaptation Through Circular Migration
Baker Institute
Following an intensification of normative contestation in the region, together with shifts in global politics and order, West Africa and the Sahel seem to be currently experiencing a redrawing and redefinition of regional spaces. On 28 January 2024, the military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger – who had recently formed the Alliance des Ètats du Sahel (AES) – declared their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS): A Region and an Organisation at a Crossroads
Italian Institute for International Political Studies
China’s biggest media conglomerate, Xinhua, has 37 bureaus in Africa. This dwarves any other news agency—African or non-African—and is a dramatic increase from just a handful two decades ago. Another Chinese media giant, StarTimes, is China’s biggest player in African digital TV and the second largest in Africa after South Africa’s DSTV
Chinas Strategy to Shape Africas Media Space
Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Continued violence in West Africa is sharpening America’s critical challenge to reduce extremism and violence, particularly in the Sahel. Violent deaths in three western Sahel nations surged by 38% last year and Niger’s coup has complicated the U.S. military role in the region
To Help Stabilize West Africa, Bolster a Key Partner: Nigeria
United States Institute of Peace
Only Nigeria has an active digital currency in Africa, but other African countries are exploring the option. Understanding the form and implications of China’s digital currency agenda, and how it may directly and indirectly shape China’s economic relations with Africa, is important in informing Africa’s own digital currency debate.
Reading of the Week: Chinas Central Bank Digital Currency: A New Force in African Finance?
South African Institute of International Affairs
At the end of 2023 Egyptian people, called to the polls, reconfirmed Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as President of Egypt, resulting in the beginning of his third, six-year term. People’s Republican Party’s candidate, Hazem Omar, only achieved 4.06% of the vote and other candidates haven’t strayed far from the same result.
Facing the Future: Navigating Egypts Deepening Socio-Economic Challenges
Beyond the Horizon
In the 10 years leading up to 2021, the share of women in sub-Saharan Africa who owned a financial account more than doubled to reach 49%, according to data from the Global Findex. Since 2017 alone, account ownership rates for women in the region increased 12 percentage points, driven entirely by increased adoption of mobile money accounts.
Digital finance boosting womens financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa: Emerging evidence
Brookings Institution
Just as important as a technology’s impact is the technology’s origin—or origins. Any given technology can be traced back, through its individual components and materials, to a number of sources. And the question about where those components and materials come from matters. Modern technology, economies, livelihoods, and weapons depend on critical. Where countries source these minerals makes a difference for national and strategic security.
The critical-minerals boom is here. Can Africa take advantage?
Atlantic Council
In this paper we explore policy actions that the United States could take to give African economies a “final” and plausible shot at export-led industrialization. Specifically, we examine opportunities to expand the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is due for renewal by 2025.
Long-Distance Industrial Policy for Africa
Center for Global Development
The influx of refugees and returnees continues to put pressure on sources of food and income. There is strong competition for the few existing opportunities. As a result, incomes have decreased, restricting households’ ability to afford essential food items given atypically high prices.
Chad Food Security Outlook, February - September 2024
Famine Early Warning System Network
The report examines the impact of migration on human development and poverty reduction. It provides insights to leverage the potential of the African diaspora, build climate resilience, and harness skills mobility to drive Africa's development trajectory.
Diaspora, Climate-Induced Migration and Skills Mobility: A focus on Africa
The African Development Bank and the International Organization for Migration
After an almost two-year lull, sub-Saharan African issuers are clawing their way back into international markets. In close succession, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Kenya issued $4.85 billion worth of Eurobonds in the first quarter of 2024. The bond offerings were as much as six times oversubscribed, in a sign that investor demand for riskier frontier market debt is back.
Is Sub-Saharan Africas Credit Crunch Really Over?
Center for Global Development
This policy-synthesis report is a comparative summary of (a) six sub-Saharan country-partner policy insights into macroeconomic crises and their management; (b) statistical analysis of the utilization of monetary and fiscal policy instruments; and (c) the relationship between (components of) macroeconomic resilience and GDP growth
Building Macroeconomic Resilience Through Counter-Cyclical Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa
South African Institute of International Affairs
In September 2024, the UN will hold the Summit of the Future in New York, bringing together world leaders to “forge a new international consensus” on how to “deliver a better present and safeguard the future.” One of the outcomes of the summit will be a Pact for the Future covering five key areas: sustainable development and financing for development; international peace and security; science, technology and innovation, and digital cooperation; youth and future generations; and transforming global governance.
Summit of the Future: Advancing African Perspectives for a Networked and Inclusive Multilateralism
International Peace Institute
African countries’ progress under the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) that was launched in 2020 has been slow. Ghana, Chad, Ethiopia and Zambia have applied for external debt restructuring under the Common Framework.
Reading of the Week: African Debt Restructurings Need to Gather Pace
Italian Institute for International Political Studies
Across Africa, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) has documented the proliferation of synthetic drugs ranging from synthetic opioids to methamphetamines and synthetic cannabinoids, the resulting transformation of several drugs markets and the escalation of drug-related harm.
The challenge of responding to synthetic drug markets through the lens of tramadol in West-Africa
The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
Africa witnessed a spate of cyberattacks in 2023, against African Union Commission (AUC) systems, Kenyan government data systems, and Nigerian election infrastructure among others. The attacks seem to have served as a wake-up call for the African Union (AU), driving its Peace and Security Council (PSC) to make cybersecurity a key agenda point at this year’s summit, held in Addis Ababa.
The AU took important action on cybersecurity at its 2024 summit - but more is needed
Chatham House
A wave of protests rocked Kenya in January, with thousands of people taking to the streets in support of the independence of the judiciary and women’s rights. With hundreds of demonstrations reported throughout the country, January marked a new record high in the number of protest events recorded by ACLED since July 2023.
Women and Lawyers Demonstrate Nationwide
ACLED
Climate change is a priority area in European and broader Western initiatives for global security, with a significant focus on Africa. This paper argues that advancing the climate security agenda in Africa necessitates an approach oriented towards integrating climate adaptation and finance into a ‘peace continuum’, spanning prevention, peacebuilding, and development.
Towards a peace continuum approach to climate security
Danish Institute for International Studies
Since its change of government in 2017, the Gambia has undergone significant reforms aimed at promoting reconciliation and healing the wounds left by Yahya Jammeh’s two decade rule (Jaw, 2019). During his presidency, Jammeh adopted divide-and-rule tactics, such as declaring the Gambia an Islamic state in 2015 and attacking the Mandinka, the majority ethnic group in the country (Sommerfelt, 2016).
Tolerance for social differences is high, but not universal, in the Gambia
AFRO Barometer
According to the news sources, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have announced they are leaving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc that promotes economic integration and political stability. The three countries are led by military juntas that have been suspended from the bloc for failing to restore democratic rule. They said it was a sovereign decision to withdraw from ECOWAS and plan to form a new confederation that will deepen their ties
West Africa trade will take a hit as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso leave Ecowas
The Conversation
Macroeconomic resilience is crucial for sustainable development. Nigeria and Ghana, two prominent West African countries, have faced unique challenges and opportunities in building such resilience. These two countries have experienced a range of economic shocks over the past two decades, including natural disasters, commodity price fluctuations, financial crises and global economic downturns.
Enhancing Macroeconomic Resilience: A Comparative Analysis of Nigeria and Ghana
South African Institute of International Affairs
On November 21, 2023, the International Peace Institute (IPI), the Stimson Center, and Security Council Report organized a workshop to discuss the mandate and political strategy of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). This discussion was part of a series of workshops that examine how the activities included in peace operations’ mandates can be better prioritized, sequenced, and grounded in a political strategy.
Prioritizing and Sequencing Security Council Mandates in 2023: The Case of MONUSCO
International Peace Institute
The year 2024 promises a bumper crop of elections in Africa. National contests are planned in 23 African countries, from Comoros’ presidential election in January to Ghana’s in December. Even smooth elections are times of high stakes and tension that can put democratic processes to the test. And Africa’s elections haven’t always been showcases of smooth organization, free and fair playing fields, and universally accepted outcomes.
Reading of the Week: As Africans enter busy political year, scepticism marks weakening support for elections
Afrobarometer
At the upcoming African Union (AU) summit from 15-19 February, 10 new countries will take their seats on the Peace and Security Council (PSC) for two-year terms. As the AU’s primary decision-making organ on security matters, the strength of its members determines how effectively the PSC will respond to the plethora of challenges facing the continent.
Does Africas Peace and Security Council need stronger members?
Institute for Security Studies
On 1 January 2024, a surprise Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was announced between the self-declared breakaway Republic of Somaliland and Ethiopia. The deal allowed landlocked Ethiopia to lease 20 kilometres of Somaliland’s coastal land for naval and commercial purposes.
Somaliland at the centre of rising tensions in the Horn of Africa
Danish Institute for International Studies
This human capital review assesses human capital outcomes in Mauritania and identifies actions to strengthen, utilize, and protect human capital.
Mauritania Human Capital Review
World Bank Group
The debt burden is rising in Africa, with several countries in debt distress. Others have defaulted on their debt services or are undergoing debt treatment under the G20’s Common Framework for Debt Treatments. This comes at a time when the world is experiencing multiple shocks, disrupting economies’ recovery from the pandemic.
Africas Debt Priorities: A Sustainability Perspective and Required Support from the G20
The South African Institute of International Affairs
Women’s experiences with certain post-conflict processes in the context of the Boko Haram crisis go beyond marginalization. Women are completely invisible. Though the traditional understandings of what it means to be a female and conventional expectations of women in the Lake Chad Basin (LCB) have significantly evolved since Boko Haram, responses to the crises do not capture this evolution.
Reading of the Week: The experiences of women combatants in post-Boko Haram peace processes. A Discord Between Impact and Redress
Wilson Center
This report presents a snapshot of arms trafficking, and the violence that follows it, in one of the least-studied borderland regions of West Africa – the tri-border area of Chad, Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR). It also offers an updated analysis of the conflict dynamics affecting this region.
The tri-border tangle
Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
This report presents a snapshot of arms trafficking, and the violence that follows it, in one of the least-studied borderland regions of West Africa – the tri-border area of Chad, Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR). It also offers an updated analysis of the conflict dynamics affecting this region.
The tri-border tangle
Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
Is it possible for Nigeria to successfully implement a redesign policy for its currency, the naira, when the informal sector accounts for 65 percent of the country’s GDP and 93 percent of employment, and when 90 percent of transactions in the informal economy are in cash?
Why Nigerias Controversial Naira Redesign Policy Hasnt Met Its Objectives
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Les citoyens congolais affirment quand même qu’il est préférable pour le pays d’avoir des partis politiques d’opposition, même s’ils sont faibles, que de ne pas du tout en avoir. Ils pensent que l’opposition politique est importante pour la démocratie et présente une vision alternative pour le pays.
Les Congolais sont persuadés de limportance de lopposition sur la scène politique
AFRO Barometer
Les citoyens congolais affirment quand même qu’il est préférable pour le pays d’avoir des partis politiques d’opposition, même s’ils sont faibles, que de ne pas du tout en avoir. Ils pensent que l’opposition politique est importante pour la démocratie et présente une vision alternative pour le pays.
Les Congolais sont persuadés de limportance de lopposition sur la scène politique
AFRO Barometer
In the emerging landscape of global geopolitics, economic partnerships and competition for critical minerals for the green energy transition and digital transformation, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has become a focal point for major actors. These partners are drawn by its abundant natural resources, growing markets and collective voting power in international fora like the United Nations.
Reading Of The Week: Beyond Natural Resources: The Growing Centrality of African Markets
Istituto per gli Studi di Politica Internazionale (ISPI)
On 20 December, 44 million eligible Congolese voters will elect their new president alongside parliamentary, regional assembly, and local council positions in a single-round poll. The incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi and 21 opposition candidates have entered the presidential race, marking the first election after a democratic transition of power since independence
Disorder and Distrust Ahead of the 2023 Elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo
ACLED
Sitting on troves of unexplored critical mineral resources such as cobalt, copper, and lithium, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Zambia are emerging as theatres of great power competition in Africa. A new infrastructure undertaking which was conceived under the United States’ (US) Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) initiative—the Lobito Corridor
The Lobito Corridor: The Wests bid against Chinese domination in Central Africa
Observer Research Foundation
Public and private energy finance to Africa from countries in the Group of Twenty (G20) and multilateral development banks (MDBs) from 2012 to 2021 totaled $345.76 billion, according to this paper’s findings. Amounting to an average of about $35 billion per year, this finance was within the estimated $31.5-$45 billion range necessary to address Africa’s annual energy finance gap.
Who Finances Energy Projects in Africa?
Carnegie Endowment For international Peace
This policy brief, developed for the UK’s (November) 2023 Global Food Security Summit, summarises insights from recent research from Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises (SPARC) in the Sahel, Syria and Yemen: mostly semi-arid areas subject to protracted crises and conflict, sometimes exacerbated by natural disasters, where food crises and food emergencies threaten.
How can development Partners support food Security in protracted crises
Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in recurrent and Protracted Crises
As Africa looks to close the development gap, it has turned to space as a catalyst for economic growth and social change. The creation of the African Space Agency (AfSA) in 2017 and its formal inauguration in January of this year demonstrate that African leaders want to develop comprehensive, home-grown solutions to promote solidarity and a new way of thinking about the continent’s role in the future space economy.
Who Woke the Sleeping Giant? Africas Emerging Space Programs Take Off
Stimson
As Africa looks to close the development gap, it has turned to space as a catalyst for economic growth and social change. The creation of the African Space Agency (AfSA) in 2017 and its formal inauguration in January of this year demonstrate that African leaders want to develop comprehensive, home-grown solutions to promote solidarity and a new way of thinking about the continent’s role in the future space economy.
Who Woke the Sleeping Giant? Africas Emerging Space Programs Take Off
Stimson
Africa possesses significant reserves of the minerals that are essential for batteries, solar panels and other green tech that will underpin the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables. Africa’s mining industry, however, remains largely structured around a “pit-to-port” model that channels mineral ores elsewhere for processing.
Africa is a Key Source of Critical Minerals for the Global Energy Transition But There are Hidden Dangers
SAIIA
West Africa is one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse regions; home to over 400 million people, around 1 200 languages and many different religious and ethnic identities. The region’s economic growth since the turn of the century has been impressive, resulting in a significant reduction in absolute levels of poverty. Nevertheless, with rampant insecurity at the hands of violent extremists, armed groups and criminal bandits, political instability, limited economic opportunities for the region’s burgeoning youth population and the worsening impact of climate change, West Africa faces many complex challenges.
Reading Of The Week: 2023 West Africa organised crime resilience framework
Global Initiative
The financing resources that are needed to face adaptation and mitigation to climate change in Tunisia are enormous. Tunisia’s climate finance gap is estimated at US$ 1.72 billion annually, which represents 3.5 percent of the countrys GDP. Under current trends, public and multilateral sources alone will not be sufficient to close this gap.
Country Focus Report 2023 - Tunisia - Mobilizing Private Sector Financing for Climate and Green Growth
African Development Bank Group
In October this year, Africa’s air force chiefs of staff and air force industry representatives gathered in Senegal. They agreed the continent urgently needed to develop sophisticated air defences in response to a growing threat – the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones.
Drones as weapons. Africa needs better data to anticipate risk
Institute for Security Studies
The United States Is Building Out New Clean Energy Industries. Building out new clean energy industries and securing the necessary supply chains to sustain them are major priorities for the United States. The combination of key mineral endowments in African countries and U.S. objectives to reorient clean energy supply chains away from competitors like China can serve as the foundation for a new economic and strategic relationship.
How Can African Countries Participate in U.S. Clean Energy Supply Chains?
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Possession of legal identity is a link between citizens and the myriad government services and social, economic and legal rights available to them. However, around 50% of Africa’s population do not have a legal identity, making it increasingly difficult for people to access vital government services such as healthcare and social grants, and to set up bank accounts, register SIM cards, and apply for other important documents such as passports.
Digital Identification and Biometrics In East Africa: Opportunities and Concerns
South African Institute of International Affairs
President William Ruto of Kenya recently announced that Kenya’s borders would be open to visitors from the entirety of Africa, with no visas required, by the end of 2023.A few days later, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda followed suit, saying all Africans would be able to enter Rwanda without visas.
Visa-free travel for Africans: why Kenya and Rwanda have taken a step in the right direction
The Conversation
La dernière série de coups d’État en Afrique subsaharienne cache-t-elle un spectaculaire retournement contre les processus politiques fondés sur le principe électoral qui avaient été engagés dans les années 1990? Pour sept pays concernés (Burkina Faso, Gabon, Guinée, Mali, Niger, Soudan, Tchad), la prise du pouvoir par les militaires signe la fin d’un cycle, celui de la tentative de démocratisation par l’élection, et l’entrée dans un nouveau cycle, à l’issue inconnue.
En Afrique, des coups dÉtat, signes de lépuisement prématuré de la démocratie importee
Policy Center For The New South
Africa’s mounting debt crisis could undermine the continent’s economic progress and stability. The problem has worsened with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Europe, and the impacts of climate change. The current debt situation in Africa has reached alarming proportions and could have severe consequences for human security.
Reading of the Week: Navigating the complex terrain of China-Africa debt relations
Institute for Security Studies
In recent years, much attention has focused on the impact of global shocks and crises on African countries. This has included an analysis of the COVID-19 shock (Raga and te Velde, 2020, 2022). Other work examines the impact of food price shocks on food security in African countries (Wiggins, 2022). Our understanding of the impact of the Russia–Ukraine war (RUW) and how it affects Africa’s economic recovery and threatens long-term productivity and social development is currently evolving.
Building resilience in African countries
ODI Emerging Analysis
Recognizing the urgency of addressing humanitarian needs for all people affected and displaced by Storm Daniel including immediate needs of all vulnerable migrants, IOM is implementing all its operations ensuring respect for human rights and dignity on-the-ground. The Organization is supporting local authorities and is working closely with its partners, complementing and upscaling the relief and response efforts to alleviate the suffering of the affected population.
IOM Flash Appeal: Libya-Storm Daniel
International Organization for Migration
Since August 2022, the Somali federal government has engaged in a counter-insurgency campaign against al-Shabaab. Somali troops achieved some successes, including dislodging the militants from hundreds of locations previously under al-Shabaab’s control in Hirshabelle and Galmudug states in central Somalia. Clan militias and local power brokers provided active support to the counter-insurgency, sharing operational information with the government and giving legitimacy to government forces.
Somalia Al-Shabaab Strikes Back at Local Administrators
ACLED
Africa has shown resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced fiscal space, debt burdens, climate change, and economic headwinds. Over the past decade, we as a continent have continued to reduce poverty and grow the middle class. We are poised to embark on a transformation journey to help us reach our fullest economic potential. Now is the time for Africa to accelerate its evolution as a single market, a valuable player in value chains, and a destination for investment, particularly in the green economy.
Marrakech Framework: An African Agenda for Global Financial Architecture
African Center for Economic Transformation
A lack of strong security sector oversight institutions in Africa has hampered efforts to improve military professionalism, enabled corrupt officials, and hobbled defense and security forces on the continent. Nine military coups d’état in seven countries since 2020 underscore the continued politicization and lack of professionalism plaguing certain defense forces.
Oversight and Accountability to Improve Security Sector Governance in Africa
Africa Center for Strategic Studies
During the summer of 2023, al-Shabaab’s operations along the Kenya-Somalia border have significantly increased, raising concerns over a possible flare-up of cross-border activity. Between June and early August, ACLED records over 90 political violence events involving al-Shabaab militants in the border area, over half of which occurred in the Lower Juba region of Somalia (see map below). Increased al-Shabaab activity in the border area has resulted in a marked surge in attacks targeting security forces and civilians in northeastern Kenya and coastal Lamu county since June 2023, and a parallel surge in al-Shabaab activity recorded in neighboring Jubaland state in Somalia in July.
Kenya-Somalia Border: Rising al-Shabaab Threat in the Wake of ATMIS Drawdown
Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project
The mysterious plane crash in which the head of the Wagner Group and nine other people were killed has immediate political and military implications. What is the likely future of the infamous mercenary organization, and is the Putin regime more stable in the aftermath of the event?
The Death of Prigozhin: A Short-Term Threat Removal for Putin?
The Institute for National Security Studies
This policy brief examines the prevalence of online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA) in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Cape Verde, highlighting key risk factors. Data on OCSEA indicates an acceleration in uploads since 2019. The case studies reveal gaps and shortcomings in victim identification, protection and prosecution. Urgent action is required to prevent devastating consequences for individuals in West Africa.
Reading of the Week: Online child sexual exploitation and abuse in West Africa
ENACT Africa
With increasing frequency of disasters and consequent damages, the need for high-quality, accessible and timely information on the likelihood and impacts of hydrological hazards cannot be overemphasized. ClimDev Africa Special Fund (CDSF) facilitates the development and use of climate services to effectively address the growing challenges of climate and weather disasters in Africa. The Fund has contributed to strengthening the capacities of regional, national, and local institutions as well as communities to enhance monitoring, forecasting and early warning systems.
Strengthening the Capacity to Reduce Africas Vulnerability to Climate and Weather Disasters
African Development Bank Group
Cocaine trafficking through West Africa, following the well-established route from Latin America to the European consumer market, appears to be in a phase of sharp growth. Since 2016, the majority of consignments transiting West Africa begin their journey in Brazil. The Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) the largest criminal organization in Brazil – is pivotal to understanding Brazils newfound importance for cocaine in West Africa.
Reading Of The Week: Atlantic connections. The PCC and the Brazil-West Africa cocaine trade
Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
China is the largest developing country. Africa is the continent with the largest number of developing countries. The China-Africa economic relationship has developed rapidly over the last two decades. China has increased its investment in Africa over the last four decades. Flows surged from $75 million (2003) to $5 billion (2021).This has had both positive and negative impacts on Africa. Infrastructure improvement, job creation, and overall economic growth can be listed as positive results, leading to improved connectivity, trade, and transportation in a continent where infrastructure integration has always been challenging. Creating such opportunities in Africa has supported lower unemployment rates, particularly among young people, which is fundamental in a continent that enjoys a positive demographic bonus 2021.
The Impact of Chinese Investments in Africa
Policy Center for the New South
The evidence-informed policy ecosystem has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Alongside an increase in the number of impact evaluations, the community of researchers and organizations in low- and middle-income countries conducting these studies continues to grow. Locally immersed researchers can help increase the policy use and utility of impact evaluation and related evidence, bringing critical insight on the priorities of policymakers and windows of opportunity to inform decision-making. Still, despite their vital role, many locally immersed research organizations encounter chronic funding challenges and other institutional and professional barriers.
Taking Stock of Organizations with Impact Evaluation Capacity Headquartered in sub-Saharan Africa: A New Database and Landscaping Analysis
Center for Global Development
This report assesses the environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices of Chinese financed infrastructure projects in Africa, within the context of substantial investment needs for African nations to achieve the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Elevating ESG: Empirical Lessons on Environmental, Social and Governance Implementation of Chinese Projects in Africa
Global Development Policy Center
West Africa has become a hotspot for the trafficking of medical products, with estimations that the illicit market makes up to 80% of medical products in Burkina Faso and Guinea, the two case studies of this report. Despite its enormous scale, there are gaps in knowledge that this report seeks to address by providing a qualitative analysis of the market’s key characteristics and enablers (corruption and insecurity), and an assessment of national and regional responses.
Reading of the Week: Bad Pharma - Trafficking illicit medical products in West Africa
ENACT Africa
Accelerating the growth of the green economy should happen rapidly through policy actions. If the global green transition is left to market forces, it can have grave consequences for the world. Considering the varied levels of technological advancements among countries, some will be better placed to develop and push forward green technology, whereas others will simply be adopting these new technologies.
Egypts Green Transition: Nurturing a Sustainable Economy and Workforce
Middle East Council on Global Affairs
This policy brief analyses the extent to which diaspora investment can support economic development and livelihoods, with a particular focus on fragile settings. Using the case study of Somalia, the brief explores some of the main advantages and risks associated with this tool.
Promoting diaspora investment in fragile settings: The case of Somalia
Clingendael
Emboldened by the rise of a multipolar world order, South Africa’s political elite is increasingly caught between its allegiance to traditional Western allies, whose values represent the national ambition and are enshrined in the Constitution of a liberal democratic order, and emerging powers such as China and Russia.
As South Africa looks to Russia, how do citizens see influence of foreign powers?
Afro Barometer
Liberian President George Weah declared rape a national emergency in 2020, after signing a Domestic Violence Act the previous year. Despite these steps, rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls persist, perpetuated by traditional social norms as well as social dislocations and a lack of accountability as a legacy of the country’s 14-year civil war.
Gender-based violence tops womens-rights issues in Liberia; citizens say it is a criminal matter
Afro Barometer
Despite some progress having been made, a large proportion of the African population is excluded from the digital economy due to physical infrastructure barriers.
Strengthening Africas Digital Infrastructure for Greater Economic Resilience
The South African Institute of International Affairs
Liberian President George Weah declared rape a national emergency in 2020, after signing a Domestic Violence Act the previous year. Despite these steps, rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls persist, perpetuated by traditional social norms as well as social dislocations and a lack of accountability as a legacy of the country’s 14-year civil war.
Gender-based violence tops womens-rights issues in Liberia; citizens say it is a criminal matter
Afro Barometer
Libya’s political crisis took a new turn after its House of Representatives, based in the eastern city of Tobruk, approved a plan to appoint an interim government that would reunify the country’s two parallel executives as part of a roadmap to general elections. House members made this decision with backing from representatives of the rival Tripoli-based assembly, the High State Council, and from east-based military strongman Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
Forming a Unity Government May be Libyas Best Bet for Healing Rift
International Crisis Group
This study explores the complex relationships between urbanisation and transnational organised crime, focusing on how illicit arms shape urban violence and are leveraged by criminal groups. It maps the nexus between arms trafficking actors and criminal groups operating in other organised markets in urban contexts and proposes interventions that engage with diverse layers of urban governance and stakeholders in the cities. The study focuses on Bamako and Lagos as urban centres in which arms trafficking and urbanisation intersect.
Reading of the Week: Silencing the guns in Bamako and Lagos
ENACT Africa
Central Africa experienced accelerated growth in 2022, recording a real GDP growth rate of5.0% in 2022, up from 3.4% in 2021, according to African Development Bank statistics. This renew economic activity was driven by favourable commodity prices, particularly in a region with net exporters of not only crude oil, but also minerals and other commodities. This regional growth momentum was mainly sustained by the Democratic Republic of Congo which recorded a real GDP growth rate of 8.5% in 2022.
Central Africa Economic Outlook 2023
African Development Bank Group
Algeria is back. After years of self-imposed withdrawal from international politics under the leadership of geriatric former president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Algeria now wants to reinvigorate its role as a regional power. But it is re-emerging amid heightened tensions with its rival Morocco and rapidly destabilising southern and eastern neighbours.
Power couple: How Europe and Algeria can move beyond energy cooperation
European Council on Foreign Relations
China has emerged as a key funder and builder of infrastructure in the Global South. While this has sparked development, concern about the debt impact of these projects has grown in China and around the world. This policy brief maps key trends emerging in response to this dilemma.. It first looks at the expansion and contraction of Chinese infrastructure finance to Africa and provides some background on the sharp decline in Chinese lending over the past few years. Then it highlights three emerging trends driven by both Chinese and African stakeholders: a diversification of partners, a focus on smaller projects and the emergence of new funding models.
New Trends in Chinese Infrastructure Lending to Africa
South African Institute of International Affairs
As part of MONUSCO’s mandate renewal in December 2022, the UN Security Council called for the secretary-general to outline pathways for the mission’s transition and withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), along with possible options for the future reconfiguration of the UN’s presence in the country, by July 2023. This past year, the rise of the M23 and other non-state armed groups in eastern DRC has led to the deployment of regional and bilateral forces, while rising anti-MONUSCO sentiment has further restricted the UN’s operating space. Following widespread and lethal civilian demonstrations against the mission’s perceived ineffectiveness throughout 2022, the government of the DRC notified the UN Security Council of its intention to reassess the agreed timetable for the mission’s departure, citing the deep displeasure of the Congolese people.
Reading of the Week: Options for Reconfiguring the UN Presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
International Peace Institute
Somalia grapples with unique cultural, societal, and structural hurdles that hinder women’s access to political processes. Despite introducing a non-legally binding quota, the most recent federal elections in 2022 saw a decline in women’s parliamentary representation. Beyond this, women’s leadership in public spaces remains inadequate at all levels. Patriarchal norms, gender stereotypes, and cultural barriers hinder women’s full participation in decision-making, with women predominantly perceived as homemakers, with caregiving responsibilities.
Enabling Womens Representation and Participation in Political Dialogues in Somalia
Rift Valley Institute
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is a key driver of economic transformation and social inclusion in Africa. It equips young people with the skills they need to find decent work and improve their livelihoods. But TVET is not reaching its full potential, because half of the population does not have equal access.
Reading of the Week: Empowering Women and Girls through Technical and Vocational Education in Africa
African Center for Economic Transformation
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in our daily lives. Having experienced considerable growth in recent years, artificial intelligence corresponds to technologies capable of processing hybrid sources, particularly unstructured data. The adoption and use of these modern technologies in the African context are currently low because of some emerging challenges. These difficulties may have a direct influence on African economic development. In this paper, we highlight the opportunities and challenges facing the adoption of AI technologies in Africa.
Artificial Intelligence Revolution in Africa: Economic Opportunities and Legal Challenges
Policy Center For The New South
Historically, the women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda’s four pillars—prevention, protection, participation, and relief and recovery—have largely developed along separate trajectories. This has started to change with the UN Security Council’s recent progress in recognizing the link between women’s participation in peace and security and their protection, as well as the need to create “enabling environments” for women’s participation. Nonetheless, there is often a gap between international frameworks on participation and protection and the realities experienced by women, especially in conflict-affected contexts.
Full, Equal, Meaningful, and Safe: Creating Enabling Environments for Womens Participation in Libya
International Peace Institute
International support is needed to sanction businesses complicit in timber trafficking from the Central African Republic. Almost 37% of the 62 million hectares of land in the Central African Republic (CAR) is forest. The forestry sector represents an important source of income and employment for the country, contributing 13% of its export revenue.
CAR conflict drives illegal logging and timber trafficking
ENACT Africa
Renewed negotiations to reach a settlement on the disputed territory of Western Sahara could be within grasp after painstaking diplomatic spadework. But progress toward resolving the controversy over the area will prove hard to achieve without stronger U.S. backing. Widening differences between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front, as well as mounting tensions between Morocco and the Front’s main sponsor, Algeria, have narrowed UN Envoy Staffan de Mistura’s room for manoeuvre.
Paving the Way to Talks on Western Sahara
International Crisis Group
Since its transformation from the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 2002, the African Union (AU) has placed significant emphasis on ensuring good governance.
Good governance has been a priority of the African Union for many years and features strongly in its Agenda 2063. Yet it is a difficult concept to define and measure. To overcome this problem, the African Union has introduced different processes and instruments aimed at promoting good governance among member states, including the African Peer Review Mechanism (launched in 2003) and the African Governance Report (first published in 2019). This policy brief takes stock of the state of governance in Africa, according to various indices, with a view to determining the relative effectiveness of these two mechanisms in driving good governance on the continent.
Reading of the Week: Africas Governance Trajectory: Are AU Mechanisms Working?
South African Institute of International Affairs
The consequences of wildlife trafficking go beyond the threat it poses to ecological integrity and the survival of many wild species. Wildlife trafficking is also a public health threat, through its role in the emergence of zoonotic pathogens, and a national and local security threat, generating revenues for organized criminal groups and militias, and contributing to the breakdown in rule of law that exacerbates local conflict and undermines livelihoods.
Reading of the Week: Uniting the Response? Challenges in International Law Enforcement Cooperation in Wildlife Crime in Asia and Africa
Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
Avec plus d’une soixantaine de groupes ethniques, le Burkina Faso est considéré comme un modèle de vivre-ensemble où le brassage culturel et ethnique ne souffrait d’aucune menace majeure. Mais depuis quelques années, cette cohésion sociale qui régnait semble laisser place à un climat de méfiance, faisant de la question des identités, en particulier celle de l'appartenance ethnique, l’une des plus sensibles, au point où le rapport sur les résultats définitifs du Recensement Général de la Population et de l'Habitat 2019 ne comporte aucune donnée sur la répartition ethnique de la population burkinabè.
Les Burkinabè sont fortement attachés à leur identité nationale
AFRO Barometer
This paper was given as a keynote address at a convening for one of CODESRIA’s flagship institutes—the gender institute. The CODESRIA gender institutes have been running for twenty-eight years, with 428 direct beneficiaries. My engagement with CODESRIA gender institutes has occurred across three different periods and different thematic areas.
African Feminist Epistemic Communities
Codesria Bulletin
The European Union (EU) and its Member States welcome the significant progress achieved in Somalia since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud assumed office in May 2022. The EU commends the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) for its efforts to build a stable and peaceful Somalia to ensure delivery on the security transition in line with the UN Security Council mandates UNSCR 2628 and UNSCR 2670, as well as for its ambitious reform agenda, including commitment to comprehensive reconciliation and macro-economic reforms.
Council Conclusions on Somalia
Council of the European Union
Morocco made a surprising announcement last year, on July 5, 2022. The Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline, which had up until November 2021 transported billions of cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas every year from Algeria to Spain via Morocco, would be reversed. Instead, natural gas imported from North America via Spain would be sold to Morocco. For the first time since the inauguration of Mediterranean pipelines, natural gas would now flow south across the Mediterranean, from Europe to the Maghreb.
In Reverse: Natural Gas and Politics in the Maghreb and Europe
Foreign Policy Research Institute
The European Union faces intricate challenges in its policy towards Tunisia. Examining the country’s intertwined political and socio-economic crises, the analysis sheds light on President Kais Saied’s populist politics, which have hindered the political transition and undermined democratic structures. Amidst the pressing challenge of high inflation, escalating debt, sluggish growth and critical shortages in basic goods, the analysis delves into the IMF loan negotiations amidst European concerns regarding Tunisia’s economic collapse and increased migration flows across the Mediterranean.
EU-Tunisia Relations: Unpacking the Conundrum
Istituto Affari Internazionali
A majority of citizens endorse gender equality in hiring, land ownership, and politics, although many consider it likely that women who run for public office will face negative reactions from their communities and families. A majority of Gambians say the government needs to do more to promote equal rights and opportunities for women.
Gender equality in the Gambia: Citizens demand greater government efforts
AFRO Barometer
Drought, floods and conflict are recurrent phenomena in the Somali regions, as are local emergency support practices that take place outside the auspices of the international humanitarian system. Kinship and community members share and donate food, money and other kinds of support to people in need, drawing on long-established kinship practices and narratives of a snared nomadic heritage.
Somali Vernacular Humanitarianism: Translocal Emergency Assistance
Danish Institute for International Studies
High levels of debt and changing bailout strategies are reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and North Africa. Countries exporting hydrocarbons are gaining prominence over the highly indebted nations of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia. This is exacerbating the economic marginalization of low- and middle-income countries, forcing them to align geopolitically with ambitious, resource-rich funders, whose overlapping or colliding spheres of influence are fragmenting the region.
How Rising Debt Has Increased Egypts and Tunisias Geopolitical Peripheralization
Carnegie Middle East Center
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) offers a multitude of positive development outcomes for communities and the broader population when practised responsibly and with transparent access to global gold markets. However, under the control of kleptocratic networks and foreign nationals jockeying for position to maximize profits, the gold sector in South Sudan is currently characterized by corruption and criminality.
Tarnished Hope: Crime and corruption in South Sudans gold sector
Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
Over the past seven years, kidnapping has become a widespread business in North and South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Members of all segments of society are kidnapped, and many people not only the members of armed groups have become kidnappers.
Reading of the week: The kidnapping business, Criminality in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
After her father was assassinated, Ilwad Elman and her family fled war-torn Somalia, becoming refugees in Canada. But at 20 she returned home - and stayed - to build support for survivors in a country where gender-based violence is rampant.
The Fearless Activist Taking on Sexual Violence in Somalia
Narratively
Young Egyptians’ dissatisfaction with their employment prospects was a key driver of protests in 2011 and 2013. Since then, the country’s political authorities have worked hard to create job opportunities for young Egyptians by boosting growth in the construction sector (infrastructure and public works), among other things.
Power and potential: The economics of Egyptian construction and ICT
Clingendael Institute
Young Egyptians’ dissatisfaction with their employment prospects was a key driver of protests in 2011 and 2013. Since then, the country’s political authorities have worked hard to create job opportunities for young Egyptians by boosting growth in the construction sector (infrastructure and public works), among other things.
Power and potential: The economics of Egyptian construction and ICT
Clingendael Institute
The Ethiopian government faces difficult choices to limit the impact of black market currency exchange and improve its foreign currency reserves.
Over at least the past three years Ethiopia’s foreign currency deficit has led to a thriving black market exchange, fuelling already-problematic illicit financial flows in the country. The black market limits the inflow and facilitates the outflow of legitimate foreign currency to and from Ethiopia.
IFFs and money laundering. Should Ethiopia legalise its informal currency exchange markets?
ENACT Africa
In the early 20th century Djibouti was a French colony, separated from Yemen by the 32-kilometer Bab al-Mandeb Strait. When the colony needed labor for economic development and the construction of a new port in Djibouti city, they called on Yemeni builders, farmers and sailors. Most workers came from the Tihama region on Yemen’s Red Sea Coast, while the majority of Yemeni merchants trading in Djibouti were from Al-Hujariah, a mountainous region of central Yemen in modern-day Taiz governorate. Today, those who stayed and integrated into society are often referred to as the “Arabs of Djibouti.” Others, mostly merchants from Taiz city and nearby Al-Turbah left their families in Yemen and have maintained a lifestyle of circular mobility.
The Evolution of Yemen Migration to Djibouti
Center for Strategic Studies
In Tunisia, migration issues were historically limited to Tunisians residing abroad and, since the 1990s, has also referred more dramatically to the irregular emigration of Tunisians to Europe. National identity in Tunisia remains officially homogeneous and does not include contemporary cultures or migrations in its definition. Since independence, the national narrative has partly recognized cultural diversity, but only in relation to the past.
Reading of the Week: An Aborted Cosmopolitanism? Sub-Saharan Migration and the Entry into the Politics of Racism in Tunisia
Arab Reform Initiative
After her father was assassinated, Ilwad Elman and her family fled war-torn Somalia, becoming refugees in Canada. But at 20 she returned home, and stayed, to build support for survivors in a country where gender-based violence is rampant. Ilwad Elman knew she would be risking her safety and possibly even her life by going back to Somalia, but she was determined to go.
The Fearless Activist Taking on Sexual Violence in Somalia
Canada's National Observer
The resurgence in late 2021 of the M23 rebel movement has plunged the volatile eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into even more turmoil, displacing an additional 600 000 people in 18 months. Tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which is supporting the M23, are at an all-time high. Regional efforts by Luanda to reconcile the two countries have so far failed. The East African Community has taken the bold step of sending in a regional military force, but its composition is problematic and it is already coming up against domestic opposition.
Reading of the Week: The M23 Crisis. An Opportunity to Bring Sustainable Peace to the Great Lakes Region?
The South African Institute of International Affair
Le Burundi a initié un programme d’élaboration des Bilans Alimentaires (BA) qui essayent de couvrir la totalité des denrées alimentaires, primaires ou dérivées. Ils constituent un outil efficace de suivi de la sécurité alimentaire.
Rapport danalyse des bilans alimentaires du Burundi 2020-2021
African Development Bank Group
Although a considerable body of research has examined the relationship between information and communication technology and the food production process, less attention has been paid to whether internet utilization impacts food production in north African countries. This research sought to investigate the short and long-run relationship between internet utilization and food production in north Africa. Yearly data sets from 4 countries (Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco) were used, covering the period 1990-2021.
Internet and Food Production: Panel Data Evidence from North African Countries
Economic Research Forum
In Central African countries, explosive substances, explosive precursor chemicals and initiators are controlled products and special authorization is needed to import, use, and transport or store them. However, some of these products are diverted, and used to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs), or in activities such as illegal mining or blast fishing. Criminal actors are involved in the illicit flows of explosives. Some are the illegal final users of explosives, which constitute the last step of the illicit supply chain.
Reading of the Week: Illicit flows of explosives in Central Africa
Enhancing Africas Response to Transnational Organised Crime
Beyond having an internationally recognised government, Libya is in dire need of a legitimate administration to take it a step away from political stagnation and division. A legal framework and a roadmap associated with a timetable for Libya’s elections in 2023 is therefore paramount, although caution is required – as to not be too hasty. Holding elections without an implementable constitutional basis and without unifying key state institutions like financial institutions (central bank), security institutions and the executive branch, will be counterproductive.
Resolving Libyas Legitimacy Crisis: 2023 Elections as a Pathway for Peace and Democratisation?
Istituto Affari Internazionali
As the world reboots its economies from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to adopt an economic development model that lessens environmental, climate and disaster risks and one where social and economic benefits are inclusive. At the core of the recovery and in line with commitments under the Paris Agreement, is the clean energy transition to drive economies. This involves uptake of technologies that reduce emissions such as wind and solar energy and less of fossil fuel-based technologies. Whilst clean energy and decarbonizing international investment and finance seem to be dominating the development discourse, what is less talked about is the minerals, including rare earth minerals, metals and construction materials needed for this to happen.
Strengthening Africas Role in the Battery and Electric Vehicle Value Chain
Africa Development Bank Group
Despite the growing importance of services in the global economy, Europe’s trade cooperation with Africa is almost exclusively focused on commodities and other primary goods. Services – which range from banking and insurance to transport – are largely missing from Europe’s trade and development cooperation agenda with Africa.
Tricks of the trade: Strengthening EU-African cooperation on trade in services
European Council on Foreign Relations
Food security in Egypt is under threat due to many domestic and external challenges, such as climate change, water scarcity, global instability and disruption of supply chains, especially during the Russian Ukrainian crisis, and the economic deficit and need for reforms, particularly in the post-COVID era. This threat is expected to worsen in the near and distant future.
The Egyptian Holistic Approach to promote food security and tackle related challenges
Euromesco
This study explores Southwest’s attempts to form local district councils through indirect elections mediated by elders – a process that is more democratic than the practice of direct appointments. It investigates phases of slow stabilization and reconciliation through indirect election. The paper also examines organic approaches to political inclusion, the role of technical expertise in conducting indirect election at the district level and illustrates major post-election hurdle and concludes with recommendations.
District council formation through indirect election in southwest state of Somalia: A means to democratization
Heritage Institute
The activities of a Private Military Company (PMC) traditionally involve 3 other parties: the Contracting State, the Territorial State and the Home State. While Western Contracting States generally recognize the Montreux Document (which reaffirms the international legal obligations of States) and Western PMCs observe the self-regulatory ‘International Code of Conduct’ (which serves as the governance and oversight mechanism), Russian PMCs operate in absence of any regulatory provision or national legal framework.
Strategic priorities for the Russian PMC WAGNER: geopolitics, propaganda and mercenary business
Royal Institute for International Relations
The agreement signed by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian government on 2 November 2022 offers a real chance to end one of the bloodiest wars in the world. The implementation of the agreement is going well so far. However, the peace process has brought into focus the question of a stable distribution of power within Ethiopia and in the Horn of Africa.
Sustaining Peace in Ethiopia
Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik
Cutting off al Shabaab’s estimated $100 million in extortion-generated annual revenue will require restoring the integrity of Somalia’s compromised financial, judicial, and intelligence agencies.Despite setbacks, al Shabaab remains a resilient and destabilizing threat in Somalia. In the past year, it was linked to 2,553 violent events and 6,225 fatalities. This represents nearly a doubling in the number of incidents since 2019. Fatalities involving al Shabaab have increased by 120 percent during this period.A key means by which al Shabaab has remained resilient is the estimated $100 million in revenue it generates annually. By comparison, the Federal Government of Somalia accrues approximately $250 million in annual revenue.
Reclaiming Al Shabaabs Revenue
Africa Center For Strategic Studies
In a recent football game between Tunisia and Senegal, Senegalese players celebrated their victory by proudly pointing at the colour of their skin. The gesture comes following weeks of a fierce racist campaign against sub-Saharan African migrants in the country, resulting in many fleeing the country. Ensuingly, a boycott campaign against Tunisian products in certain sub-Saharan countries has been launched. A leaked internal document by the World Bank announced it is pausing its partnership with Tunisia over the State’s racist rhetoric and the attacks victimizing sub-Saharan Africans.
The Disjunction of Black and White Africa: The Case of the Racist Campaign Against Sub-Saharan Africans in Tunisia
Brussels International Center
On 6 February, six zones and five special woredas in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State (SNNPR) held a referendum on statehood to determine whether the zones – Wolayta, Gamo, Gofa, South Omo, Gedeo and Konso – and special woredas – Derashe, Amaro, Burji, Basketo and Ale – will form a separate autonomous state or remain within the SNNPR. This was the third such referendum on statehood to be held in the region since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power in 2018.
Referendum in Ethiopias Southern Region
Rift Valley Institute
The surge in violent extremism in sub-Saharan Africa undermines hard-won development gains and threatens to hold back progress for generations to come. The need to improve understanding of what drives violent extremism in Africa, and what can be done to prevent it, has never been more urgent.
Against this backdrop of the surge in violent extremism in sub- Saharan Africa, and the continued prioritization of security-driven responses, UNDP initiated a follow-up study, Journey to Extremism in Africa: Pathways to Recruitment and Disengagement in 2020.
Reading of the Week: Journey to Extremism in Africa, Pathways to Recruitment and Disengagement
United Nations Development Programme
Since the election of al-Sisi in 2014, the main drivers of Egypt’s economy have been its construction and extractive sectors. Based on official data, these sectors have done a decent job in boosting the country’s GDP that has increased faster than that of many of Egypt’s neighbours.
The Egyptian political economy under al-Sisi
Clingendael
The Russian army and Russian private military contractors linked to the Kremlin have expanded their global military footprint in Africa, seeking basing rights in a half dozen countries and inking military cooperation agreements with 28 African governments, according to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War. U.S. officials estimate that around 400 Russian mercenaries operating in the Central African Republic (CAR), and Moscow recently delivered military equipment to support counterinsurgency operations in northern Mozambique.
Russias Footprint in Africa
Center for Security Studies ETH Zurich
This study looks at the links between cattle rustling in East Africa’s Karamoja Cluster and the flow of illicit arms into this ungoverned space. It looks at the actors involved in the illicit arms trade, the sources of the weapons, and the need for responses other than civilian disarmament exercises, which so far have been unsuccessful.
Reading of the Week: Illicit arms flows in the Karamoja Cluster
Enhancing Africa’s response to transnational organized crime
Decentralisation has been one of the most prominent public sector reforms endorsed by international institutions. It has been initiated in a large number of developing economies, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. To date, few studies propose a quasi-experimental evaluation of its capacity to contribute to local development or do so but only focus on specific components.
Shine a (night)light: Decentralisation and economic development in Burkina Faso
Overseas Development Institute