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Exclusively focused on Africa... |
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 Consultancy Africa Intelligence (CAI) provides up-to-date, informed analysis and insight into the African continent’s political, economic, financial and social affairs, offering:
CAI is strategically positioned to assist, inform and empower our clients in meeting their African-related objectives. Read more about CAI...
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Recently Released Articles
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Written by Daniel R. Donovan (1)
Thursday, 16 May 2013
This paper explores mining in South Africa, current government policies and the ongoing dispute between labour unions and mine owners as explanations for the rapid decline in the importance of mining to the country’s economy and future. It furthermore examines the different solutions that have been offered in order to show ways in which this former backbone of the South African economy can return to prominence within a climate of fairness and safe practices for all involved.
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Written by Alexander Holmgren (1)
Thursday, 16 May 2013
This paper discusses the threat that drug trafficking poses to regional peace, security and stability in West Africa. The paper illustrates how drug trafficking can destabilise affected West African countries, and also threaten development across the whole region. It is argued that the only way forward for West Africa regarding this issue is to increase regional collaboration and coordinate regional anti-drug trafficking operations.
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Written by Jess Moody (1)
Thursday, 16 May 2013
This paper examines the International Monetary Fund’s decision to recognise the Somali Government, as well as the recent al-Shabaab attacks in Mogadishu. It explores the implications that both of these events will have for peace in the region and the downsides of further promises of aid and funding to the new Somali Government. It concludes that renewed, self-interested Western influences are likely to do more harm than good for the emerging central authority.
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Written by Marco Hekkens (1)
Thursday, 16 May 2013
This paper discusses the steady disappearance of Lake Chad. It draws on an initial exchange of discussion that was posted on Consultancy Africa Intelligence’s LinkedIn Group webpage. The paper starts by setting the scene for the issues discussed and presenting the abridged discussions on the LinkedIn webpage. This is followed by a brief reflection on the respective viewpoints.
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Written by Marco Hekkens (1)
Thursday, 16 May 2013
This paper follows on from Part 1 by discussing some of the available pathways of action and smart adaptations for addressing the alarming disappearance of Lake Chad. The dire situation warrants focus and concerted international action to prevent a clear risk of humanitarian tragedy (‘climate refugees’) from developing on an unprecedented scale. Whilst strong international support will be needed, assuming local responsibility now, preparatory steps that will not necessarily entail foreign assistance are also required.
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Written by Sunetra Ghosh (1)
Thursday, 16 May 2013
This paper examines the sustainable urbanisation challenges facing Africa, and how Africa can work around these challenges to promote sustainable growth. In the developing world, Africa has experienced the highest urban growth during the last two decades (3.5% per year) and this growth rate is expected to hold into 2050. The paper highlights the underlying issues associated with the practice of sustainable urbanisation, particularly the promotion of growth management within Africa’s fast growing regions.
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Written by Feri Gwata (1)
Thursday, 16 May 2013
This paper highlights the benefits of collective action when stakeholders in the water management sector have a shared vision and commit to mutual objectives. The paper stresses the importance of a bottom-up approach in facilitating comprehensive water demand management, as domestic water users are empowered to become active decision makers who manage their own quality of life. This requires a cogent framework of collaboration and an enabling environment which will bring the comparative strengths of various stakeholders to bear in the sustainable management of water resources.
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Written by Stephane-Jacques Soami Mabiala (1)
Thursday, 16 May 2013
This paper reflects on the linkages between unemployment and immigration in South Africa. It draws on international evidence and discusses the specific issues underpinning these two phenomena in South Africa. The paper concludes that migration can create employment through entrepreneurship and alleviate the effects of brain drain, but can also lower wages and displace indigents in the labour market.
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Written by Patience Gulu Namanya (1)
Thursday, 16 May 2013
This paper explores the human rights violations that women and girls suffered during situations of fierce militarisation between the Uganda People’s Defence Force and the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda. It begins with an overview of the conflict in northern Uganda before considering the rights of formerly abducted girls during situations of high militarisation. The paper discusses the relevant international human rights instruments which recognise violations in times of war, and concludes with a brief recommendation on what can be done to address the situation of formerly abducted girls.
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Written by Sitinga Kachipande (1)
Thursday, 16 May 2013
This paper discusses how satellite cities have the potential to help East African cities meet the growing challenges of urbanisation in dynamic ways. It discusses the new trend towards satellite cities and poses them as the new African cities of the future. The paper highlights the benefits of satellite cities and their ability to improve quality of life for many East Africans.
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Written by Janet Mugo (1)
Thursday, 16 May 2013
This paper reviews the role of entrepreneurship and health innovations that have the potential to revolutionise the status of health systems in Africa. The paper highlights simple innovations developed by African entrepreneurs that are aimed at improving health service delivery on the continent. There is, however, a need to align such innovations with Africa’s health needs, as well as provide enabling environments for aspiring entrepreneurs in the form of grants and accreditation.
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Recently Released Articles
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Written by Joshua Alter (1)
Thursday, 02 May 2013
This paper discusses the controversial practice of wealthy states purchasing large tracts of African land in poorer states; considered land grabs. The paper focuses on the environmental and social effects that such land grabs have on the communities in which they are taking place. The paper concludes that African states must immediately recognise that these deals have environmental repercussions that harm not only the natural resources, but citizens as well, and should thus put measures in place to curb the incidences and conclusion of these deals.
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Written by Siyabulela Fobosi (1)
Thursday, 02 May 2013
This paper critically engages with the role that the minibus taxi industry plays in the broader South African economy. Currently, the industry is the critical pillar of the public transport sector. It is considered a servant for the urban and rural poor. However, there remains a great contestation around its formalisation, particularly regarding the taxi recapitalisation programme. The paper proposes to rethink the formalisation process by studying the industry in its totality, taking into account the underlying mechanisms operating the sector.
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Written by Emilia Schiefhaler (1)
Thursday, 02 May 2013
This paper analyses the prevalence of child marriage in South Sudan, a situation faced by many young girls. It considers the causes of these marriages and their effects on the victims, with a particular emphasis on health, education and gender equality. This paper discusses the steps taken by the Government of Southern Sudan to tackle the problem and offers several recommendations for further reform.
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Written by Nombulelo Siqwana-Ndulo (1)
Thursday, 02 May 2013
This paper discusses informal trade in South Africa, outlining the who, what and where of the informal sector with particular attention paid to street traders. The paper provides some background to the informal trade sector in South Africa by outlining both the historical legislation of the practice and, more importantly, how cities and their policies are now starting to recognise the importance of awarding the informal sector more attention.
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Written by Ronan Farrell (1)
Thursday, 02 May 2013
This paper argues that changes to the Kenyan political system have improved the prospects for political stability in the country today. Uhuru Kenyatta was elected president of Kenya in March 2013. His indictment by the International Criminal Court for inciting violence during the election in 2008 led to Western nations favouring his rival, Raila Odinga, for the role of president. As a result, it is crucial that the West maintains close relations with the new government, particularly given Kenya’s economic and geo-strategic importance to the West.
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Written by Sarah Kiggundu (1)
Thursday, 02 May 2013
This paper presents an overview of emerging environmental issues in 21st century Africa. This discussion measures Africa’s environmental performance; assesses the importance of science and technology for sustainable development; investigates the role of international organisations in terms of monitoring and assessment; and links these themes to the development of the agricultural sector on the African continent.
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Written by Nombulelo Siqwana-Ndulo (1)
Thursday, 02 May 2013
This paper discusses informal trade in South Africa with a focus on women street traders in Durban. It is argued that women street traders receive no special mention in the Durban city street trade policies, and consequently the Durban street trade regulatory framework does not take account of gender specific needs. The paper concludes by suggesting that the Self Employed Women’s Union, an organisation with national and international links to which many street traders belong, may help to highlight their plight so that policy changes are made in their favour.
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Written by Joel Lowther (1)
Thursday, 02 May 2013
This paper examines the role of African youth in elections. In doing so, it reflects on how this demographic group has so often been neglected and manipulated in political processes throughout the continent. It draws on the case studies of South Africa and Kenya as best practice examples to argue for greater integration of the youth in democratic processes on the continent.
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Written by Leigh Hamilton (1)
Thursday, 02 May 2013
This paper explores the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in Africa. It discusses why the ICC is a particularly contentious issue on the continent. It argues that the African Union, along with many African nations, has become disillusioned with the ICC for several reasons, including showing bias toward weaker states for legal, financial and political reasons, and taking ownership of the justice process away from locals. The paper investigates these reasons in detail.
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Written by Mridulya Narasimhan (1)
Thursday, 02 May 2013
This paper examines the extent and impact of privatisation in Africa. Using country-specific examples, it critically examines reasons for privatisation throughout the continent. In considering the pros and cons of taking state-owned enterprises private, the paper discusses the impact on revenue gains, employment and competition, and concludes that the success of a privatisation programme will depend ultimately on political will, clear objectives and the buy-in of stakeholders.
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Written by David Bote (1)
Thursday, 02 May 2013
This paper explores the narrative of African firms investing in Asia and advocates for more such investments. Supporting the need for fruitful trade and investment relations between two of the globe’s fastest growing regions, this paper outlines the challenges facing African firms and proffers recommendations for forging productive relationships in Asia, and identifies two South African multinational corporations which have achieved just that.
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Written by Gerald Flanagan (1)
Thursday, 02 May 2013
This paper discusses the principle avenues through which the spill over of the global financial crisis affected low income countries in Africa, namely trade relationships and price volatility. The more general issues discussed are endogenous financial vulnerabilities and exchange rate systems. The paper then considers a number of means through which to protect growth and financial stability on the continent.
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Written by Megan Wilson-Jones (1)
Thursday, 02 May 2013
This paper discusses the social and economic case for investing in maternal and newborn health in Sub-Saharan Africa. Complications arising during pregnancy and childbirth are among the leading causes of death and disability in the region. The direct cost to individuals, the health system and wider society is substantial, and further perpetuates the cycle of poverty. This paper outlines why investments in maternal and newborn health represent good value for money.
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