As we wrap up an eventful year both in South Africa and in the world, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very joyous festive season and thank you for your support over the course of the year. Our offices will be closed for the summer break between 16 December 2019 and 1 January 2020, reopening on Thursday 2 January.
Below you will find a selection of our most recent and popular research produced over the course of the year – we hope you enjoy delving into it and we look forward to re-engaging in the new year.
Warm festive wishes,
Elizabeth Sidiropoulos
Chief executive
Introducing e-vehicles to Southern Africa: A systemic innovation approach to a green new deal
Electric vehicles are not typically seen as catalysts that may enable the large-scale transformation of national and regional economic and development trajectories. But the climate emergency, the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s disruptive impact, and the electric mobility revolution present Southern African states with an opportunity to pursue a low-carbon, preferable and more equitable future.
Mining for a circular economy in the age of the fourth industrial revolution: The case of South Africa
Mining is not typically associated with visions of a circular economy, where waste is transformed into inputs for ecologically safe outputs. But if the world is to transition to a low-carbon future – a fundamental imperative if we are to avoid warming the planet more than 1.5°C higher than pre-industrial temperatures – more minerals and metals will be required, not less.
Digital dictatorship versus digital democracy in Africa
The intersection of technology, politics and governance is reshaping the nature of political engagement both globally and in Africa: digital technologies have gone from empowering citizens and toppling dictators to being used as tools of oppression and discord.
Is Africa measuring up to its Goal 16 commitments?
SDG16 focuses on achieving peace, justice and strong institutions. Many African countries have been at the forefront of efforts to measure and achieve this goal. This report took stock of these processes around the continent, especially in the run-up to the UN’s High Level Political Forum in July 2019, but also looks beyond this important event.
The ‘Kagame Reforms’ of the AU: Will they stick?
This paper aimed to provide an objective assessment of progress made by the Kagame Reforms, including implementation of the Kigali Financing Decision, ensuring the implementation of decisions as well as the changing mandate of two bodies: The African Peer Review Mechanism and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.
Inside the Russia-Africa matryoshka: Summitry, Geopolitics and Resources
This paper analysed Russia’s re-engagement with the continent in the context of the evolution of Russian foreign policy since the end of the Cold War, arguing that its turn to Africa is part of a multi-vector approach that was articulated more than 20 years ago.
