This edition questions the effectiveness of Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the need for an investment-driven approach ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD-4). In the Sahel, extremist groups adapt to shifting political and military dynamics, raising concerns over security governance. Diasporas, often seen as remittance senders, play a more prominent role in cultural diplomacy and economic ties—yet remain undervalued in policy circles.
On the multimedia front, Morocco’s strategic minerals are key to industrial sovereignty but face governance and sustainability challenges. Central to the global demand for critical minerals, Africa risks remaining an extraction hub unless policies shift toward value creation.
|
|
|
|
|
From Financing to Investing for Development: The End of Oda As We Know It
Ferid Belhaj
The traditional model of Official Development Assistance (ODA) has reinforced financial dependence rather than fostering economic self-sufficiency in developing nations. This paper critically examines the failures of past development finance frameworks, from Monterrey to Addis Ababa, highlighting the persistent structural asymmetries that extract more capital from the Global South than they provide. As geopolitical priorities shift and donor budgets increasingly divert funds toward defense, the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD-4) must redefine development finance beyond concessional aid. Can global financial institutions pivot towards an investment-driven model prioritizing financial sovereignty over dependency?... Read more
|
|
|
|
|
(FR) Genesis and Evolution of Armed Extremist Groups in the Sahel in a Context of Multidimensional Crisis
Rida Lyammouri Fadoua Ammari
Violent extremism in the Sahel is rooted in historical, political, and socio-economic factors, including state fragility, community marginalization, and the spread of transnational ideologies. This paper traces the evolution of extremist armed groups, particularly AQIM and ISGS, examining their fragmentation and the impact of recent coups and emerging regional alliances. It highlights the urgency of a multidimensional approach integrating institutional reforms, socio-economic development, and international cooperation. But can the region’s states implement these solutions without fundamentally restructuring their security governance?... Read more
|
|
|
|
|
Cultural Ambassadors: The Role of Diasporas in Promoting Cultural Diplomacy and Development
Florencio Venté
Diasporas are pivotal in cultural diplomacy, fostering economic development, strengthening transnational ties, and shaping global narratives on identity and heritage. As this paper argues, diasporas transcend their conventional role as remittance senders to become cultural ambassadors, influencing soft power strategies and international cooperation. Through creative industries, sports, business, and the arts, they project their home cultures onto global platforms while integrating into host societies. Yet is the potential of diasporas in diplomacy and economic development fully recognized by policymakers, or does it remain an underutilized asset in global affairs?... Read more
|
|
|
|
|
(AR) Tuesday Talk : Strategic and Critical Minerals in Morocco
Morocco’s strategic minerals are key to industrial sovereignty and energy transition, yet challenges hinder their full integration into value chains. This discussion explores governance, sustainability, and local valorization. Can Morocco maximize its mineral wealth while ensuring environmental and social sustainability?...Watch
|
|
|
|
|
(FR) Africa's critical minerals challenge
The race for critical minerals is reshaping global power dynamics, with Africa at the heart of this competition. The Democratic Republic of Congo alone supplies 70% of the world’s cobalt, indispensable for electric vehicles and digital technologies. As demand surges—lithium consumption has risen by 500% in a decade—foreign investments, particularly from China, are intensifying. This paper explores Africa’s strategic position in the supply chain and its governance challenges. Can the continent leverage its resource wealth to drive sustainable development, or will it remain a supplier in an extractive global order?... Watch
|
|
|
|
|
(FR) Critical minerals: the subject of rivalries, covetousness and geopolitical alliances
Critical minerals are at the core of global economic and geopolitical shifts, driving demand for energy transition technologies, electric vehicles, and high-tech industries. Yet, supply constraints, geopolitical tensions, and market concentration raise concerns about securing these essential resources. This discussion explores Africa’s potential role in diversifying supply chains and capturing more value from its vast reserves. Can the continent move beyond raw material exports to establish local processing and refining industries, ensuring long-term economic gains?... Listen
|
|
|
You are receiving this email because you have subscribed in the past, attended one or more of our events, have contact with our staff or Fellows or broader network. We consider that you want to keep receiving our think tank's publications unless you unsubscribe from our mass mailing system.
Unsubscribe from this mailing list | Update your details | Other requests
|
|
|
|
