Publications

Understanding Impacts of Agricultural Governance Failures in East Africa

This discussion paper examines how agricultural governance failures in East Africa undermine efforts to improve food security, strengthen agricultural development and address climate-related vulnerabilities. Focusing on Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, the study explores challenges such as inadequate public investment, land fragmentation, limited access to finance, gender inequalities and weak policy implementation. It assesses national and regional agricultural policies in the context of the African Union’s agricultural development commitments and highlights the need for stronger governance, better policy coordination and targeted reforms to build more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.

Improving Financial Conditions in Africa: The Role of an African Credit Rating Agency

Assessing Rating Bias, Sovereign Creditworthiness, and the Potential of an African Credit Rating Agency

This study examines the role of sovereign credit ratings in shaping financing conditions across Africa and assesses the potential contribution of a new African Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA). Drawing on empirical analysis of rating determinants, the authors investigate claims of systematic bias against African sovereign borrowers and identify factors that influence creditworthiness. The publication highlights policy measures that can improve ratings, including stronger governance, institutional reforms, fiscal transparency, and enhanced communication with rating agencies. It concludes that an African Credit Rating Agency could expand rating coverage and support African governments, but its credibility will depend on transparency, independence, and methodological rigor.

A COMMENTARY ON THE GEOPOLITICS OF THE TRANSITION TO CLEAN ENERGY & GLOBAL ECONOMIC DECARBONISATION

HIGHLIGHTS OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS AND TRENDS IN THE SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA AND EUROPEAN UNION REGIONS

A report on ‘The Global, Regional and National Perspective of Geopolitical Impacts of Decarbonisation’ focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa and the EU was documented in March 2022. However, since its completion, major global, regional and to a lesser degree national events in the extractives and energy sectors have reshaped the geopolitics of trade in the sectors’ energy transition and impacted the quest to decarbonise global economies, as envisioned at COP15. The developments have impacted (1) policies to do with fossil fuels as the main contributor to carbon emissions and the global energy mix, (2) demand for and security of supply for minerals deemed critical minerals for decarbonisation, (3) regional and national policies or strategies for a transition to clean energy, (4) bilateral and regional partnership strategies for securing the supply of critical minerals and (5) global priorities, debates, and negotiations towards decarbonisation. Therefore, contained in this report are highlights of major developments and the impacts of the developments on policies and geopolitical developments in Sub-Saharan Africa and the European Union.

Géopolitique de la Transition Vers L'énergie Propre et de la Décarbona- Tion Économique Mondiale

Bien qu’il soit largement admis que les combustibles fossiles, en raison de leurs émissions de gaz à effet de serre, constituent un cauchemar environnemental et qu’ils soient la principale cause de l’élévation des températures mondiales et de la dégradation des conditions climatiques, leur élimination demeure problématique. La principale difficulté réside dans l’intégration des combustibles fossiles dans l’industrie et les modes de vie modernes, en particulier dans les pays industrialisés. De même, la dépendance économique et industrielle au charbon, au pétrole et au gaz pour l’énergie et les recettes publiques dans de nombreux pays en développement complique considérablement la transition vers des sources d’énergie plus propres, telle qu’envisagée lors des COP et via les CDN.

Investing in EVs: Global Trends and Opportunities for Growth in East Africa.

Policy Brief

Obstacles à l’adoption des capacités d’énergie renouvelable en Afrique subsaharienne

L’accès à l’énergie et la fiabilité de l’approvisionnement restent des défis majeurs en Afrique subsaharienne (ASS), où seulement 47 % de la population a accès à l’électricité, bien en dessous de la moyenne mondiale de 90 %. Ce faible accès à l’énergie est en grande partie dû à une couverture insuffisante du réseau électrique, en particulier dans les zones rurales, ce qui prive des millions de personnes d’un accès de base à l’énergie. Les énergies renouvelables représentent une véritable opportunité pour les pays de l’ASS de mieux répondre aux déficits d’approvisionnement tout en générant des bénéfices environnementaux. Cependant, plusieurs obstacles ont freiné la croissance de l’adoption des énergies renouvelables dans la région. Ces obstacles peuvent être regroupés en trois catégories : politiques et réglementaires, financiers, et techniques. Pour continuer à progresser, les acteurs de l’écosystème doivent poursuivre leur collaboration afin de développer des solutions politiques, financières et techniques permettant d’améliorer les politiques publiques et d’accroître les investissements dans les différents segments de consommation.

Scaling Renewable Energy Generation & Access in SSA through Feed-in Tariffs

Kenya’s 2012 Feed-in Tariffs Policy on Wind, Biomass, Small-Hydro, Geothermal, Biogas and Solar Resource Generated Electricity

This policy brief examines Kenya's 2012 Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) Policy on Wind, Biomass, Small-Hydro, Geothermal, Biogas, and Solar Resource Generated Electricity as a successful example of catalyzing renewable energy generation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through long-term and fixed-tariff Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). The brief highlights key elements, successes, and shortcomings of the policy and provides recommendations, best practices for adoption, and a call to action for policymakers.

Scaling Renewable Energy Generation & Access in SSA through Financial and Tax Incentives

Nigeria’s 2015 National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP)

This policy brief examines Nigeria’s National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP) and explores its successes and significant challenges. The policy outlines attractive measures, such as tax credits, holidays, and exemptions, designed to stimulate the generation of renewable energy. However, the absence of a robust implementation strategy and a supporting legislative framework has hindered its effectiveness. This policy brief outlines the shortcomings of the policy’s implementation, as well as recommendations and best practices for how to adopt a similar policy more successfully in other SSA countries.

Scaling Renewable Energy Generation & Access in SSA through Local Production & Assembly of Products

South Africa’s 2023 Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP)

This policy brief analyzes South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), a policy created in 2023 to help enhance private sector involvement in renewable energy projects. A key feature of this policy is the “local content” requirement, aimed at stimulating domestic manufacturing and job creation within the renewable energy sector, particularly in solar and wind projects. The requirement has proven largely successful; however, adjustments have been necessary, particularly for solar panel requirements, to align with the capabilities and capacities of local manufacturers. This brief outlines the success factors and shortcomings of the policy, recommendations, best practices for adoption, and a call to action for policymakers.

Conference Report: Energy, Trade and Climate Dialogue III: Opportunities to Link Sustainable Development and Economic Growth

19 April 2024, Maputo, Mozambique

The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung hosted the “Energy, Trade and Climate Dialogue III: Opportunities to link sustainable development and economic growth” in Maputo, Mozambique. The dialogue aimed to: › Discuss the connection between trade, energy and climate and new trade policies such as Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), carbon markets etc. › Understand how African countries can benefit from emerging trade issues and what steps should be taken next; and › Support research institutions and think tanks to formulate policy recommendations for African governments towards trade- and energy related climate policies.