Harnessing the 4IR in SADC: Roles for policymakers
First popularised by the World Economic Forum in 2015, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) or ‘Industry 4.0’ has become a catch-all term to describe imminent changes to global business, labour and education models stemming from the advent of ‘cyber-physical systems’.
The retreat of multilateralism: What should Africa do?
For developing countries multilateralism with the UN at its centre, is considered a key pillar of the global system because it provides for an order, not determined by might but by a set of rules that apply to all – even if the powerful often have more latitude than smaller countries. Multilateralism’s current retreat necessitates a proactive strategy from developing countries to be co-shapers of a new system.
Springboks’ triumph provides hope for country and continent
The power of sport to bring people together was on display when underdogs South Africa upset a previously rampant England 32-12 in the Rugby World Cup Final on 2 November in Yokohama, Japan.
Is the Global Compact on Refugees fit for Africa’s purposes?
The Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) advocates a ‘whole of society’ approach to resolving and managing the forced displacement ‘crisis’ by setting out specific targets, objectives and pathways for UN member states to follow.
Cultivating economic relations: Russia-Africa economic forum
Summitry between a major country and Africa have become fashionable in the 21st century. China, India, the EU and Japan all have such summits with the continent. Such events carry great political symbolism, they provide opportunities for business deals, and they also show the rest of the world the influence of the initiating country vis-à-vis its guests.
Digitising financial services: A tool for financial inclusion in South Africa?
Financial inclusion offers incremental and complementary solutions to tackle poverty, promote inclusive development and address the Sustainable Development Goals.
Inside the Russia-Africa matryoshka: Summitry, Geopolitics and Resources
On 24 October Russia will host the first Russia-Africa summit in Sochi. This is some 26 years after Japan launched its TICAD process in 1993, 20 years since China’s FOCAC and 11 years since the first India-Africa Forum Summit.
Digital dictatorship versus digital democracy in Africa
Just how did digital technologies go from empowering citizens and toppling dictators to being used as tools of oppression and discord?
At the table or on the menu? Africa’s agency and the global order
Thirty years after the end of the Cold War, one could argue that the global order is fragmenting into multiple nodes of power.
How to facilitate trade in Africa
While the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement can act as a powerful tool for progress, it cannot work in isolation. It also requires complementary reforms addressing specific country-level challenges, and a well-functioning global trading regime that accounts for developing countries’ needs.