The Nordic Africa Institute is a knowledge centre focused on Africa. It is jointly financed by the governments of Finland, Iceland and Sweden.

A worker at a company that produces fruit drinks in Accra, Ghana. Photo: Dominic Chavez/World Bank

Carlos Lopes: Free trade area can break old Europe dependency

Economic integration.56 years after the creation of the Organisation of African Unity, which later became the African Union, African nations are about to take a huge step towards economic integration. The creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area will give Africans a much stronger collective voice, according to AU negotiator Carlos Lopes.

DR Congo: Observers toned down criticism

Election. Despite suspected vote tampering in January’s presidential election international criticism soon fell silent. However, a lenient international approach may benefit development in war-torn DR Congo, according to NAI researcher Liisa Laakso.

Change in Sudan: What’s in it for the women?

Protests. Women’s role in the protests, as well as external pressure will be among factors determining what happens next in Sudan. Redie Bereketeab, senior researcher in political and development sociology, gives his analysis.

Corruption-plagued ANC expected to win

South Africa elections. Despite claims of unrestrained corruption among its senior officials the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party is expected to maintain an absolute majority in the 8 May national elections. NAI Senior Research Associate Henning Melber says that...

Sustainable development requires affordable green energy

SDG:s. For many African governments facing numerous challenges, green energy solutions may not be at the top of their priority list. However, without a focus on clean energy the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals will be difficult to achieve in African...

Clear and secure land titles increase agricultural production

Farming in Ethiopia. Farmers must be sure the land they cultivate belongs to them, otherwise they are reluctant to invest time and money in developing farming techniques. This was one point raised when researchers and policymakers discussed agricultural transformation at...

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