Inclusive Economic Growth, Governance and Technology

In this episode, Professor Carlos Lopes discusses what the African Union’s G20 membership means for Africa’s economic and geopolitical influence on the global stage.

Africa is confounding predictions of a COVID-19 apocalypse, but widespread anxiety remains. Valuable lessons must be taken forward from the successful national responses so far across public health, security, and the economy.

The government revels in its status as an outlier among East African responses to coronavirus, but its actions to restrict freedom of expression, opposition, and access to information continue to proliferate.

Beyond the immediate concerns of containing the spread of COVID-19, Nigeria’s greatest challenge — a fiscal crisis of historic proportions — is beginning to unfold.

Despite enshrining gender equality in law, Kenya’s 2010 constitution has failed to deliver the transformation many had hoped for. This paper highlights the importance of devolution in enhancing gender equality in Kenya and suggests practical ways forward to facilitate gender-responsive budgeting and planning.

Trade between Central and Eastern Europe and sub-Saharan Africa has increased significantly in the last decade and a half. There is a strong case to be made for greater economic re-engagement, especially in terms of investment, that has the potential to support inclusive growth in both regions.

This briefing note is the result of a collaborative research process with the Zimbabwean private sector, government representatives, industry organizations and experts, drawing on best practice and senior-level insights to identify policy options for long-term economic revival and expansion in Zimbabwe, and pathways for inclusive development.

This paper draws together the key themes and findings from three Sudan Stakeholder Dialogues roundtables, ranging from broad structural economic issues to sector-specific priority interventions.

Sudan has seen more change in the last four months than in the previous 30 years, and there is now a mixture of euphoria and caution about the future, following the removal of Omar Al Bashir.

The longer genuine political and economic reform is delayed in Sudan, the greater the risk of wider instability and deepening economic crisis.

There were high expectations that Liberia’s president would tackle corruption and boost the economy, but he has struggled with entrenched interests and demands of patronage.

Combating illegal wildlife trade and further pursuing conservation-development models could help generate considerable economic benefits for African countries, while ensuring the long-term preservation of Africa’s wealth of natural capital.

It is critical that the Angolan authorities get a full picture of the efficiency shortcomings of past major investments, and that bold reforms are undertaken to make public investment more efficient.

President Kenyatta will soon present his list of nominees for cabinet and principal secretaries - a great opportunity to demonstrate his government’s commitment to enhancing gender equality in Kenya.

Zimbabwe cannot expect to rebuild in the same economic model that brought previous prosperity.

Despite cost concerns, Kenya’s deal shows that infrastructure agreements with China can be made fairer for citizens of partner countries. Its neighbours should take note.

Anti-corruption efforts could be made significantly more effective through new ways of understanding why people engage in the practice.

As President Nyusi travels to China, there is growing concern over the government’s ability to pay its bills and a potential repeat of the 2010 riots.