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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 paperExternal 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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Music, poetry and fibre cables – exploring Africa’s creative economy
A solid digital infrastructure, including fibre cables and data centres, is one key building block for developing Africa’s creative industry. This, along with creative rights, up-skilling and healthy criticism of governments, was discussed when NAI and partner Selam hosted the event Unleashing Africa’s Creative Power, about the creative sector's importance for democracy, identity, and job creation.
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No universal cure for the growing pains of African cities
Cities like Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Kampala demonstrate how urbanisation can drive economic progress but also exacerbate communal violence and resource competition. Research on these cities reveals diverse patterns of violence influenced by local political dynamics, ethnic grievances, and migration pressures, underscoring the importance of tailored, inclusive policies to manage urban growth and prevent conflict.
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Ghana’s vote caps a year of democratic progress in Africa
NAI researcher George Bob-Milliar attributes Ghana's recent successful election to improved coordination, issues-based debates, and international support. Wrapping up Africa's "super election year," which saw sixteen elections and five predominantly peaceful transitions of presidential power, he notes that democracy is advancing on the continent.
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Yes, the NAI Library has books in French too!
What´s it like to be a guest researcher at the Nordic Africa Institute? Well, in this video four of our African scholarship holders tell us about their time at NAI. They shared their perspectives on how the scholarship has supported their research and professional development.
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Validity of Namibian election result could be decided by court
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia's ruling Swapo party won the presidential election, according to results released by the country's electoral commission on Tuesday. However, opposition parties call the election “deeply flawed” after logistical problems and a controversial three-day extension to polling in parts of the country. Presumably, the opposition parties will seek a judgement of the election result in court, says NAI researcher Henning Melber.
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AI could improve food security in Africa
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being tested in Uganda to help farmers detect crop diseases at an early stage. It also gives them an instant recommendation on actions needed. According to researcher Owomugisha Godliver, AI technology could improve agriculture for smallholder farmers and alleviate food insecurity in Africa.
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Big man politics and multi-party rule call for new gender plans
The recent South African election marked a historic shift, as the ANC lost the parliamentary majority it had held ever since the end of apartheid. Women remain underrepresented in both parliament and government. Leaving aside the numbers, the new political landscape, with its multi-party cabinet and increasingly violent opposition, has brought fresh challenges for women in politics. They will have to join forces across party lines to resist the rise of big man politics, marked by patriarchal behaviour and violent masculinity.
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Energy and capital needed for Zambia´s battery ambitions
As global demand for copper and cobalt grows as part of the green transition, Zambia’s leaders want to create more value from the country’s extractive sector. Zambia shall industrialise and start making batteries instead of exporting raw minerals. However, can Zambia make the necessary investments? And will the push lead to decent jobs and contribute to the larger development agenda?
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Young Nordic diplomats at NAI for a three-day workshop with researchers
In this video, we highlight voices from early career diplomats who recently gathered for a three-day programme hosted by the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI). Participants share their experiences, and what they’ll bring back to their work. Through dialogue and shared knowledge, this programme aims to bridge science and policy, encouraging evidence-based insights to strengthen decision-making. By fostering these connections, we hope to build a deeper, collaborative understanding of Africa’s diversity and complexity.
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Now Open Access: A book on the relevance of political science in Africa
What is the state of the discipline of political science in Africa today? With what level of freedom is it practiced at African universities? These are some of the questions asked – and answered – in the book Political Science in Africa – Freedom, Relevance, Impact published earlier this year. After an embargo period of nine months, it is now Open Access and available for everyone to download in full-text.
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African news about war in Ukraine focuses on economy – not politics
African media coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war differs starkly from the narrative in European news, according to NAI guest researcher Charlotte Ntulume.
“I have gone through nearly 400 news articles so far, and not one of them clearly condemns Russia as responsible for the war”, she says.
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Harris or Trump 2.0 – why it matters for Africa
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Researcher explores the psychological impact of Cyclone Freddy
17 of his extended family members died when Cyclone Freddy hit Malawi in March, 2023. “I use my personal experiences as an entry point in my research”, says Professor Nick Tembo. In his Claude Ake Memorial Lecture on 19 NovemberOpens in new window. he will explore issues of national preparedness and psychological effects related to the disaster.
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