This playbook assists financial regulatory authorities to transition from collecting gender-disaggregated data to using it systematically in supervision and policymaking. Drawing on research in Nigeria and Tanzania, it outlines a three-phase approach—discovery, ideation, and prototype advancement—supported by a framework of eleven foundations to ensure effective, inclusive regulation.

This report examines the potential for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to transition from raw resource extraction to a value-creating bioeconomy. Identifying six high-growth sectors, it highlights opportunities for green industrialisation and advocates for regional policy harmonisation and innovative financing through the African Bioeconomy Finance Hub.

This research examines rights-based and community-led conservation in Africa, demonstrating that community management on lands under customary tenure is essential for biodiversity. It identifies key success factors, evaluates formal and informal initiatives, and provides recommendations for governments to integrate these approaches into national biodiversity strategies and financing plans.

This report examines pathways to scale nature-based solutions for climate adaptation, highlighting their superior benefit-cost ratios compared to traditional infrastructure. It identifies strategies to mobilise private capital, utilise standardised valuation metrics, and leverage carbon markets to support long-term maintenance and resilience across vulnerable regions, particularly in Africa.

This report investigates the intersection of mercenary groups and digital propaganda in Africa. It details how organisations like the Wagner Group utilise AI-driven disinformation and "regime survival packages" to sustain authoritarian rule. The paper recommends stricter platform accountability and enhanced digital literacy to protect democratic institutions across the continent.

This report examines the transition towards nationally led crisis response in East Africa. It identifies barriers within international aid structures while highlighting progress in sub-national governance, social protection, and civil society. Recommendations focus on strengthening state accountability and equitable partnerships across Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

This research examines the rapid expansion of international credit to Africa since the Global Financial Crisis. It highlights the rise of Chinese lending under the Belt and Road Initiative, the dramatic growth of international bond issuance, and the continued dominance of governments as borrowers in US dollar-denominated markets.

This briefing paper examines how green trade and regional value chains can accelerate African industrialisation. It outlines opportunities within the AfCFTA and the African Green Industrialisation Initiative, emphasising the need for de-risking instruments, institutional capacity building, and new partnership frameworks to align international capital with Africa’s sustainable development goals.

This report examines the development of integrated energy-industry-transport corridors in Africa to foster low-carbon growth. It details strategies for decarbonising logistics and manufacturing, particularly in steel and cement. By linking industrial hubs with renewable energy, African nations can enhance regional trade, competitiveness, and sustainable economic development.

A maturity framework for VC funds and LPs to assess ESG and responsible investment integration across emerging market fund operations.

This report evaluates progress toward universal clean cooking access in sub-Saharan Africa. While delivery rates have tripled since 2010, population growth continues to outpace gains. The analysis covers investment trends, infrastructure development, and the impact of the 2026 energy crisis on regional fuel supply chains.

This report examines the structural misalignment between investors and agribusinesses in African agrifood systems. It highlights that while annual climate finance reached USD 7.8 billion, it falls short of the USD 1.1 trillion global requirement. Recommendations focus on improving technical assistance and intermediation to mobilise capital effectively.

This paper is the African Chapter of GDF's Global Stablecoin Regulatory Playbook. It examines how global stablecoin regulatory principles can be applied across Africa's diverse markets, addressing reserve management, consumer protection, AML/CFT compliance, and cross-border coordination, while accounting for local financial infrastructure, dollarisation risks, and varying supervisory capacity.

This policy brief analyses how African investment treaties — more than 1,000 signed to date — support or constrain technology transfer. It examines express and implied treaty restrictions, associated investor-state dispute risks, and recommends that African states adopt precisely drafted provisions and strengthen institutional capacity to enable meaningful technological advancement.

This report examines why Kenya's climate finance gap persists despite strong institutions, renewable energy leadership and financial inclusion gains. It identifies seven flawed assumptions and recommends a nationally co-ordinated country investment platform to mobilise domestic capital, align incentives and deliver a just and resilient climate transition.

This report examines gender parity in Africa's technology sector. While Africa leads in women's STEM representation globally, significant drop-offs occur at key career stages. The research identifies barriers such as biases and funding gaps, offering actionable strategies to enhance recruitment, support career progression, and increase access to start-up financing.