The Gatvol Syndrome, The Apprentice and World Politics
Eight years ago the American people voted for “Yes, we can”, Barack Obama’s politics of hope. Eight years ago many across the world were celebrating the election of the first African-American president and the new politics that it might bring. But over the last eight years we have seen a rise in political extremes both in the US and across Europe.
Improving infrastructure finance for low-income countries: Recommendations for the ADF
Low-income countries (LICs) in sub-Saharan Africa face a substantial infrastructure-financing gap. Multilateral development banks (MDBs) have traditionally played an important role in mobilising finance for infrastructure in LICs, but their funding alone cannot match demand.
E-commerce in Africa: Definitions, issues and the evolving international regulatory landscape
E-commerce is becoming an integrated part of the global economy, with revenue in business-to-business and business-to-consumer e-commerce transactions rapidly increasing.
SMEs in the services sector – A new pathway to development in the LDCs?
It is common knowledge that SMEs make a significant contribution to their countries’ economies, but they often operate in a kind of twilight zone — seen and acknowledged, but not properly understood or catered for at the policy level.
Partnering with the New Development Bank: What improved services can it offer middle-income countries?
Multilateral development banks increasingly struggle to respond effectively to the needs of middle-income countries, influencing not only their potential development impact but also their own financial stability.
South Africa’s Drought Preparedness in the Water Sector: Too Little Too Late?
South Africa experiences droughts on a regular basis, often associated with significant negative impacts on society and the economy.
Climate Adaptation Readiness for Agriculture: Drought Lessons from the Western Cape, South Africa
Agriculture is a critical component of national and sub-national economies, yet it is also highly vulnerable to weather extremes and scarce water resources.
Is the Livestock Sector in Southern Africa Prepared for Climate Change?
Many countries in Southern Africa have limited climate change frameworks for the agricultural sector, and still less for the livestock sector. The region is endowed with a rich diversity of livestock, contributing significantly to the agricultural gross domestic product (GDP).
Trump Presidency: First reflections on the impact for Africa
At long last, the most bruising and sometimes farcical election in recent US history has come to a close.
A new era of ambitious global climate action
Nearly 200 countries will convene in Marrakesh, Morocco today to advance progress made on the Paris Agreement on climate change. Signed by 197 countries last December, the Paris Agreement sets out the global expectations for dramatically reducing carbon emissions.