Ecosystem-based adaptation in South African coastal cities: Challenges and opportunities

Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) provides multiple benefits for coastal cities and the populations they support. Despite a number of demonstrably successful EbA cases, current practice still focuses on planning and implementing ‘grey’ infrastructure solutions. It is critical that cities explore the multiple opportunities that exist for mainstreaming and implementation of EbA.
Free trade area finally comes to Africa

May 30 was a particularly significant day for Africa. While global trends move from integration towards heightened protectionism, African countries are improving intra-regional trade levels and deepening regional integration.
New Bill offers robust game plan against cybercrime in South Africa

A significant increase in internet access combined with a growing reliance on e-governance, commercial services, social networks, and the Internet of Things has increased the vulnerability of both citizens and governments to cyber criminals.
Mining for a circular economy in the age of the 4IR: 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.
African governments can learn lessons from Asia’s industrialisation

South Korea’s new ambassador to South Africa, Jong-Dae Park, offers advice on growing economies
Ambitions for greening solid waste management: Perspectives from Urban(ising) Africa

African cities are vexed by the triple challenge of rapid population growth, urban expansion and poor waste management.
Tracking AU themes: Why the APRM should rise to the occasion

Africa and its diaspora community are wrapping up the commemoration Africa Month – marking the anniversary of the creation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963, relaunched in 2002 as the African Union (AU). This should be a time of deep reflection on Africa’s developmental needs, going beyond wearing African regalia and celebratory events.
Enhancing EU resource governance interventions: A call for prioritising human security

In response to resource-fuelled conflicts in producer countries, EU foreign policy initiatives have sought to enhance ‘good governance’ throughout the value chain for an increasing number of primary commodities.
Challenges and opportunities for the EU in Africa’s extractives sector

The EU’s historical reliance on raw material imports from Africa and other regions is set to continue as the EU transitions towards a low-carbon future. According to the World Bank, the world will require roughly double the volume of minerals and metals currently mined to fuel the move towards a carbon-neutral future.
A win-win for Europe & Africa: Extractive justice & resource inter-dependency

The trade relationship between Europe and Africa in terms of the extractive sector is characterised by inequitable resource interdependence, whereby Africa does not benefit fully from its natural resources.