AfCFTA’s Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights and its potential effects on Africa’s Economic Growth

Intellectual Property Rights in Africa The 21st  century is mainly characterized by its rapid economic development[1] and a knowledge-driven period.[2] Countries around the world compete based on their ability to manipulate and effectively use information to their advantage. Developed countries have come to appreciate that innovation should be at the top of policymakers’ agenda given…

Understanding the impact of a ‘Net-Zero by 2050’ on African Economies and Livelihoods: Defining a ‘Just Transition’

In May 2021, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published a report called ‘Net-Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector’ with an emphasis on the necessity to make a radical shift away from fossil fuels to achieve neutral greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. While the latter may be a desirable goal, the impact of such a rapid and one-sided transition must be weighted against its impact on African economies and livelihoods. 

The Eu’s Plan to Label Natural Gas and Nuclear Energy as Sustainable — is This Move Good for the African Continent?

The EU stated on January 1, 2022, that it sees a role for gas and nuclear energy “as a method of facilitating the transition to a largely renewable energy future”. The commission’s drive to classify nuclear energy and natural gas as environmentally friendly investments comes after months of discussion and political lobbying.