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Researchers: Nordics could lead the way in strategic mining partnerships in Africa
There are a number of roles that Nordic countries could play as partners of mineral rich African nations, as the global race to secure battery minerals intensifies, say NAI researchers Patience Mususa and Grasian Mkodzongi.The Nordics could intensify the push for more global transparency around taxation to avoid tax loopholes that make it difficult for African states to finance development. Also, Finland and Sweden are among few EU countries which have a mining industry. There are opportunities for them to partner with state corporates in the mining sector in Southern Africa in new exploration and mining development, the researchers say.
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Researcher: Turkey promotes the idea that African states can follow their own path
Turkey wants to present itself as a provider of opportunities for African states, from an economic, humanitarian and political point of view. While European countries often are seen as difficult partners who set conditions for engagement, Turkey is consistent in that it never tries to impose ideas or persuade partners to do things in a certain way, according to Federico Donelli, Turkey expert and researcher at the University of Trieste.The Turkish approach is now paying back, according to Donelli.“Turkey promotes the idea that African states can follow their own path and not a path decided by someone else,” Donelli says.This is an important factor behind Turkey’s success in Africa, which has psychological rather than pragmatic reasons, he argues.
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Where US and Europe step out, Turkey is ready to step in
A changing geopolitical landscape, with decreasing US and European engagement in Africa, could favour Turkey and its ambition to gain influence on the continent, according to Federico Donelli, Turkey expert and researcher at the University of Trieste.The Trump government’s decision to cut funds to the US Agency for International Development, provides an opportunity for Turkey to exert soft power through humanitarian aid, Donelli says.Furthermore, in the Sahel region, where France has withdrawn troops which fought Islamist insurgencies, not only Russia but also Turkey is emerging as an increasingly important security actor, according to Donelli.
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“Artisanal mining should be recognised and formalised”
The government of Zimbabwe regards mining as a driver for economic development that will help the country become a middle-income economy. However, according to NAI researcher Grasian Mkodzongi, this will not happen as long as small-scale miners are criminalised and pushed out from mining areas.
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Quota system risks limiting women's political participation
An affirmative action initiative in Zimbabwe guarantees women a number of seats in parliament. It has increased gender equality in the country, according to NAI researcher Shingirai Mtero, but she argues it is not enough.One problem is that the political parties rarely put forward women outside the quota. And the women nominated to the quota owe their political position to the party and are therefore inclined to do what the party says.“Which sometimes doesn’t move forward women´s rights”, Mtero argues.
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“It signals that politics is a man’s world”
The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after she accused its presiding officer of sexual harassment. In Nigeria, only four percent of parliamentarians are women – the lowest number in Africa. According to NAI researcher Shingirai Mtero it is common in male dominated institutions that women who stand up for their rights are punished.
“It signals to other women that politics is a man’s world and perhaps they should put their aspirations elsewhere.” The hostile environment has also caused a problem with retaining women in parliament, as they often only serve one term.
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Local inclusion and regulatory control key to sustainable mining
Zimbabwe’s rich lithium reserves have sparked a foreign investment boom, particularly from China. While the government, eager to attract investments, helps foreign mining companies secure access to ‘the white gold’, artisanal miners are sidelined. A ban on unprocessed lithium exports, intended to boost domestic processing, has instead benefited political elites and marginalised local communities even further. To foster inclusive growth, the government should formalise artisanal mining and strengthen regional cooperation.
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Economic growth no silver bullet for poverty reduction
Poverty has decreased in many African countries. However, the reduction has been less significant than in other developing nations with similar economic growth. In countries with exceptionally high inequality, such as Mozambique and Zambia, growth has not substantially contributed to poverty reduction.
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How young people in Africa use TikTok for resistance – new research
In Kenya’s Gen Z protests in 2024, TikTok was a key element in mobilizing the youth. NAI researcher Martins Kwazema is working with a project that analyses how the mobile app increasingly has become a political tool for young political activists in Africa.
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“Promoting trade is not just about signing agreements”
Promoting trade is not just about signing agreements. It is mainly about addressing the underlying challenges, especially financing barriers and lack of skilled labour. This was one of the key messages that came out of a discussion held at the Swedish embassy in Cairo in December.
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Researchers: Rise of protectionism poses great risk to African economies
What will happen to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which gives sub-Saharan countries duty-free access to US markets? AGOA is about to expire in September, 2025. South Africa, which has a larger share of exports to the US than other African countries, would be affected the most if AGOA is not extended.The current rise of protectionism on world markets, promoted by US president Donald Trump, can act as an infectious disease. Once it emerges, it can spread widely.African countries should respond to the growing protectionism by unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area, according to NAI researchers. “The trade war sends a clear signal to Africa that it is time to go south,” they say.
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South Africa and the Global (Dis)order
It seems to be a watershed moment for African countries in 2025, not least South Africa. Confronted with a reconfiguration of global power relations, countries will face some tough decisions about how to position themselves in the emerging new constellation. The freezing of USAID programmes has had fatal consequences
External link, opens in new window. in the true sense of the word. US President Donald Trump’s obsession over tariffs and his transactional perspective threaten the African Growth and Opportunity Act External link, opens in new window.. It offers 32 African countries preferential access to the US market. If it is not extended in September, these countries will face serious economic disadvantages. How best to compensate for any such setbacks?
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Researcher: His anonymity was actually his advantage
“What sets Youssouf apart is that he is one of the longest serving foreign affairs ministers we have on this continent,” says Babatunde Fagbayibo, Professor of International Law at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and NAI Associate at the Nordic Africa Institute.Growing insecurity, interference from external powers, democratic backsliding and a wave of coups, are some of the greatest challenges currently facing the African Union (AU).
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Gulf states’ proxy war exacerbates conflict in Sudan
The rivalry between the Gulf monarchies of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates entrenches the conflict in Sudan: since both warring parties ‒ the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces ‒ have a resource-rich ally, there is no reason for them to stop fighting, according to political scientist Federico Donelli.
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New study identifies entry points that empower rural Kenyan youth
How do youth from a pastoral area in Kenya understand and experience social equity in their communities? How do they perceive their capacity to adapt to climate change? This working paper draws on participatory qualitative research conducted in three Endorois indigenous communities in Baringo county to identify entry points that empower young people to advance their lives in ways that they value.The findings suggest that young men and women perceive their communities as largely equitable — despite facing compounding disadvantages that include climate change and loss of livestock, the mainstay of their livelihoods. They value social equity and fairness, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritises the most vulnerable, treats people equally, and ensures inclusive decision-making guided by competent leaders. Based on these understandings, they emphasise the strength of their village institutions and of their generation’s agency and capabilities.Nevertheless, the testimonies also reveal significant barriers to achieving equitable climate adaptation, related to the need for greater access to resources and opportunities. Young women, especially, report a deep sense of marginalisation and experience significant gender inequalities, noting their limited participation in the institutions and networks governing decision-making and resource distribution within their households and communities. Despite these challenges, both young women and men in the study had attained education at high school or college level, and felt empowered by their academic achievements. Their aspirations for improving their lives and strengthen their villages’ resilience to climate change offer a basis for optimism.The study proposes investing in stakeholder capacity, fostering youth leadership and intergenerational exchanges, and developing strategies and partnerships responsive to the needs of rural youth, with particular concern for young women’s inclusion. It underscores the importance of locally-led governance, inclusive decision-making, and collective action as key to achieving equitable climate adaptation and social transformation.The research presented in this working paper External link, opens in new window. draws on the policy brief Building Locally-Led Adaptation: Rural Kenyan Youth Perspectives on Equity and Resilience External link, opens in new window., which is part of CGIAR’s Research Initiative on Climate Resilience (ClimBeR).
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Ghana's democracy stress tested – three milestones passed
In its recent elections, Ghana’s acclaimed democracy underwent something of a stress test, which it passed by reaching three important milestones. First, the relatively peaceful transfer of power from incumbent to opposition. Second, the election of Ghana’s first ever woman vice president. And third, a first outing for the new affirmative action act, signed into law only months before the election. However, in this election the legislation’s aim of empowering women in politics paid off more in rhetoric than in actual numbers.
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Five incumbents tumbled and one was humbled
Democracy is challenged across the globe. However, summing up the elections held last year across Africa, there are some positive signs. Five countries (Botswana, Ghana, Senegal, Somaliland and Mauritius) held elections that ended with incumbent presidents handing over power peacefully to successful opposition candidates. And one country (South Africa) saw the end of three decades of single-party rule. Altogether, these six elections show proof of democratic resilience in Africa and bring hope of a trend reversal.
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Research-based briefings for Nordic ambassadors
One of the Institute’s most appreciated briefing programmes offers Nordic ambassadors appointed to African countries a set of learning sessions with NAI researchers, in line with the Institute’s mission of deepening the understanding of African perspectives among Nordic policy-makers.
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“To conduct quality research, you need to be on the ground”
Anthropologist Patience Mususa spends time in mining communities, engages with locals and speaks to policymakers on the Zambian Copperbelt. This is crucial in order to understand the nuances of the Zambian mining sector's role in the green transition, she argues.
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Women in politics – play the men’s game or change the playing field?
Women in politics in Africa are likely to experience violence at some point in their careers. While women can be offered anti-violence preparedness training, they should not have to adapt to the reality of violence, according to political scientist Amanda Gouws. “We must think about long-term solutions and change the norms in society which inform violent behaviour”, she says.
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