South Africa’s role in the lion bone trade: a neglected story
Africa’s wild lion population is estimated to be between 20,000 and 30,000. Researchers have good reason to believe that the real number is closer to 20,000. This puts lions in the “vulnerable” category of threatened species.
BRICS: Getting to grips with the drivers and dividers
The 10th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg is now behind us. It occurred on the back of a few years of significant domestic economic and political changes among some of the BRICS and diverging national interests. Critics of the bloc will rightly point out these challenges and divergences, but often neglect that in some areas the BRICS have converging interests which have cemented their cooperation.
Bridging the digital divide and supporting increased digital trade: Scoping study
The global economy is experiencing important technological shifts, with the rise of digital technology a key driver.
Picking a bone with captive predator breeding in South Africa
In July 2018, without public consultation or scientific substantiation, South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) raised its annual lion skeleton export quota to 1,500, up from 800 the year before. These skeletons are supplied by the predator breeding industry, which breeds lions in captivity for multiple and sometimes overlapping purposes. This is the working paper of a report in two parts.
Exploring the role of China, Japan and India in the East Africa Blue Economy
This paper examines the role of China, Japan and India in East African development, focusing specifically on Kenya and Tanzania. Of particular concern is the regional Blue Economy, which encompasses economic, social and environmental concerns related to maritime industries and, according to the approach adopted by the African Union, also inland water bodies.
Israel’s ties with Africa: focus on Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa
This paper approaches Israel’s push into Africa from an African perspective in an effort to highlight what the continent’s leaders can gain from Israel, and vice versa.
Exploring policy tools for promoting digital trade
The global economy is experiencing major technological shifts, with the rise of digital technology a key driver.
African Union’s year of youth: Carrying forward the momentum
This paper reflects on the African Union’s 2017 theme, ‘Harnessing the Demographic Dividend Through Investments in Youth.’
What kinds of Chinese ‘Geese’ are flying to Africa? Evidence from Chinese Manufacturing Firms
This paper provides preliminary analysis of the nature of Chinese manufacturing investments in Africa, focusing predominantly on four countries — Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania —but also including examples as illustrations from other countries, when appropriate.
Chinese Manufacturing Moves to Rwanda: A Study of Training at C&H Garments
Rwanda has often emphasized the growth of knowledge—intensive services, tourism, and information and communications technology (ICT), over labor—intensive manufacturing, to grow its economy.