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51. Powering data centers in emerging markets

Author:
Phillip Cornell
Publication Date:
05-2026
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Atlantic Council
Abstract:
The rise of artificial intelligence and global demand for cloud computing is rapidly redrawing the geography of digital infrastructure. The International Energy Agency projects that global data center electricity consumption will more than double by 2030 to 945 terawatt hours, with AI-optimized servers driving the bulk of that growth. As mature digital hubs in the United States, Europe, and East Asia run up against the limits of grid capacity, permitting cycles, and land availability, investment is shifting toward emerging markets. Large parts of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and the Black Sea region feature available land, high renewables potential, stranded energy, and accelerating digital demand. This report examines the conditions under which emerging economies can convert that interest into durable, smart, digital infrastructure. It argues that emerging markets are not merely overflow capacity for saturated hubs but increasingly demand centers in their own right; India for example hosts 20 percent of the world’s data yet accounts for less than 6 percent of global capacity. The same markets, however, present structural risks: limited grid redundancy, volatile electricity pricing, uneven regulation, equipment bottlenecks, and shallow workforce pipelines. Drawing on case studies from Malaysia’s Johor corridor, South Africa, Brazil, Turkey, and India, the report shows how hybrid energy strategies, coordinated permitting, and workforce investment can convert latent advantages into bankable infrastructure.
Topic:
Emerging Markets, Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, Energy, and Data Centers
Political Geography:
Africa, South Asia, Turkey, Latin America, and Indo-Pacific

52. Jihadist taxation and order-making in Mali and Niger

Author:
Yvan Guichaoua and Ferdaous Bouhlel
Publication Date:
02-2026
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
United Nations University
Abstract:
This paper explores the forms of taxation practised by Al Qaeda and the Islamic State branches operating in Mali and Niger. It builds on insights from the rebel governance literature and an original conceptualisation of jihadist taxation and its effects. Unlike classic perspectives in the rebel governance literature, we argue for an ‘all at once’ approach to jihadist governance and warfare, where taxation is the beginning and the end of acts of warfare due to the fundamental political nature of Islamic taxation. Empirically, we stress the adaptiveness of jihadist groups to local circumstances, alternatively for doctrinal or pragmatic reasons.
Topic:
Governance, Al Qaeda, Islamic State, Conflict, Tax Systems, and Jihadism
Political Geography:
Africa, Mali, Sahel, and Niger

53. Mitigating the Risks of Private Sector Involvement in the Electricity Sector in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author:
Olakunle Alao and Peter Twesigye
Publication Date:
01-2026
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Oxfam Publishing
Abstract:
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces an electricity access crisis, with over 600 million people lacking access to reliable power. Chronic underinvestment, institutional fragility and fragmentation, and operational inefficiencies have rendered many state-run utilities incapable of sustaining reliable service delivery, let alone meeting rising demand. In response, governments often running on budget deficits and influenced by international financial institutions have embraced private sector participation (PSP) as a means to mobilise capital, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate electrification. Yet the outcomes of PSP across SSA are mixed, raising questions about its effectiveness, equity, and long-term sustainability. This study undertakes a comprehensive, mixed-methods analysis of PSP in SSA’s electricity sector. It maps the evolution and extent of private sector engagement across generation, transmission, and distribution; quantifies its prevalence; and assesses its impact on six core performance indicators: financial viability, access, affordability, quality of supply, operational efficiency, and decarbonisation. The findings of this study affirm that PSP, when embedded within robust governance and regulatory frameworks as well as transparent procurement mechanisms and coherent sector planning, can contribute positively to power sector performance. However, these gains are not automatic. The strongest correlations between PSP and performance are observed in countries where governance is credible, regulatory agencies are functional, and policy environments are stable. Conversely, in contexts where institutions are weak, PSP has often produced limited or even adverse outcomes, such as overcapacity, fiscal strain, high tariffs, and social inequities. In summary, PSP can be a valuable tool for accelerating power sector transformation, but only when it is thoughtfully designed, responsibly governed, and firmly aligned with the public good. Further, sustainable electrification requires not just more investment, but smarter, fairer, and more accountable systems that prioritise resilience, equity, and long-term development.
Topic:
Privatization, Electricity, and Energy Sector
Political Geography:
Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

54. Show You the Money? Spouses’ Willingness-to-Pay to Hide or Reveal Income in Kenya

Author:
Jessica B. Hoel, Prachi Jain, and Anisha Singh
Publication Date:
05-2026
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD), Brac University
Abstract:
This paper studies preferences over income privacy within households using a laboratory experiment with low-income urban couples in Kenya that identifies willingness to pay for income hiding or transparency. We find that a substantial share of spouses are willing to sacrifice income to keep earnings hidden (36% of wives and 26% of husbands). At the same time, we document that a large fraction of spouses are willing to pay to reveal income to their partner (20% of wives and 31% of husbands). Using vignette-based survey experiments, we provide evidence on perceived motives and consequences of hiding and revealing income, including future-oriented investment, hedging against marital dissolution, and sanctions after financial disclosure. Together, these results challenge standard household models and provide a foundation to inform future cooperative and non-cooperative models of the household.
Topic:
Marriage, Household, Household Income, Laboratory Experiments, and Income Hiding
Political Geography:
Kenya and Africa

55. Are Missions Delivering on Gender-Responsive Peace Operations? Lessons from South Sudan and Somalia

Author:
Emmaculate Asige Liaga
Publication Date:
05-2026
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
International Peace Institute (IPI)
Abstract:
Gender-responsive peacekeeping operations are designed and implemented in ways that recognize gendered differences and inequalities and advance gender equality and the rights, protection, and participation of all genders as a core part of mandate delivery. Yet while normative commitments on women, peace, and security (WPS) have expanded considerably over the past two decades, these commitments have been unevenly translated into practice. This policy paper examines how gender-responsive peacekeeping has been operationalized in the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the African Union missions in Somalia (AMISOM and ATMIS), with a focus on mandates, institutional design, force composition, leadership, and community engagement. It finds that gender responsiveness depends less on formal commitments than on whether missions embed gender analysis into the operational systems that shape planning, protection, and decision making. The paper highlights how institutional placement of gender advisers, leadership support, deployment of women peacekeepers, and sustained community engagement can strengthen both mission effectiveness and legitimacy. At the same time, it underscores the persistent gap between procedural responsiveness to meet institutional requirements and transformative responsiveness that changes how missions operate and protect civilians in practice.
Topic:
United Nations, Peacekeeping, Leadership, Protection, Women, Peace, and and Security (WPS)
Political Geography:
Africa, Somalia, and South Sudan

56. Africa in the G20 and Debt Sustainability

Author:
Bitania Tadesse, Patrick Hajayandi, and Tim Murithi
Publication Date:
04-2026
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
International Peace Institute (IPI)
Abstract:
The African Union’s admission to the G20 as a permanent member in 2023 marked a major milestone in global economic governance, giving the continent its first collective seat at one of the most influential decision-making forums on debt, trade, climate finance, and development. While this corrected a long-standing imbalance in representation, key questions remain about whether this institutional presence will translate into substantive influence. This issue brief examines how the AU organizes its participation in the G20 and assesses the progress made under South Africa’s 2025 presidency, particularly on debt sustainability. It highlights initiatives such as the ministerial declaration on debt and the Africa Expert Panel proposals for reforms to the global debt architecture, while underscoring the continued limitations of existing G20 mechanisms, and the structural challenges posed by high borrowing costs.. The brief finds that while Africa has generated momentum within the G20, sustaining progress will require stronger coordination within the AU, the operationalization of key institutional mechanisms, and a more focused and strategic approach to advancing continental priorities in a shifting geopolitical landscape.
Topic:
Debt, G20, Geopolitics, Sustainability, and Global Economy
Political Geography:
Africa

57. Justice Denied, Silence Maintained: Women's Voices from the Margins of South Africa's Justice System

Author:
Lindokuhle Malambe
Publication Date:
07-2026
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR)
Abstract:
This research amplifies the lived experiences of women survivors of gender-based violence as they navigate South Africa's criminal justice system. Drawing on qualitative research conducted across diverse communities, the report examines the systemic barriers that prevent women from accessing justice, including institutional failures, secondary victimisation, delayed investigations, and inadequate survivor-centred services. ' The findings highlight the gap between progressive legal and policy frameworks and women's everyday experiences of seeking justice. The report concludes with evidence-based recommendations to strengthen accountability, improve survivor-centred responses, and advance a more accessible, responsive, and equitable justice system for all women.
Topic:
Women, Gender Based Violence, Criminal Justice, and Accountability
Political Geography:
Africa and South Africa

58. Soft-skills Training, Locus of Control, and Labor Market Outcomes of Youth: Evidence from Kenya

Author:
Kibrom A. Abay, María Laura Alzua, Nelima Barasa, Phyllis Mumia Machio, and Martin Paul Jr. Tabe-Ojong
Publication Date:
06-2026
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Center for Distributive, Labor and Social Studies (CEDLAS)
Abstract:
We evaluate the impact of a gender-sensitive soft-skills training that aimed to address youths’ labor market constraints in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions in Kenya using a clustered randomized controlled trial. We also explore whether the presence (or absence) of complementary noncognitive skills, such as locus-of-control, moderates the impact of soft-skills training. Our evaluation combines baseline, midline, and endline data to understand the dynamics of labor market transitions for the youth. Although we find suggestive evidence that the soft-skills training marginally contributed to preparing the youth for the labor market by improving their willingness, expectations, and preparedness for jobs, the impact of the soft-skills training on ultimate labor market outcomes appears negligible. However, the effect of soft-skills training varies across individuals with varying personality traits. Soft-skills training improved labor market outcomes for those with internal locus of control, implying important heterogeneity across individuals with varying non-cognitive skills.
Topic:
Youth, Labor Market, and Soft Skills
Political Geography:
Kenya and Africa

59. Status of Environmental Justice in Karamoja and West Nile Sub-Regions in Uganda

Author:
Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE)
Publication Date:
01-2026
Content Type:
Research Paper
Institution:
Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE)
Abstract:
This report presents a comprehensive assessment of the status of environmental justice in Uganda, with a particular focus on the Karamoja and West Nile regions. These two regions, though distinct in ecological and socio-economic characteristics, are united by their position which is at the frontline of environmental change, governance challenges, and livelihood vulnerability. Karamoja is characterized by semi-arid landscapes and pastoral livelihoods, faces intensifying pressures from climate variability, land degradation, and expanding extractive and conservation activities. West Nile, by contrast, represents a complex humanitarian–ecological interface shaped by one of the largest refugee-hosting contexts in Africa. West Nile is where population influxes are placing unprecedented strain on land, forests, and water resources. These two regions provide a critical lens through which to understand how environmental governance systems shape outcomes like equity, inclusion, and sustainability in Uganda.
Topic:
Climate Change, Governance, Sustainability, Ecology, and Environmental Justice
Political Geography:
Uganda and Africa

60. Emerging Challenges and Opportu-Nities in Humanitarian Assistance in Mozambique: A Case Study from Cabo Delgados

Author:
Fátima Chimarizeni Papelo
Publication Date:
09-2025
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Brazilian Journal of African Studies
Institution:
Brazilian Journal of African Studies
Abstract:
This paper aims to analyze the emerging challenges and opportuni-ties derived from the humanitarian assistance actions applied in Cabo Del-gado in the context of violent extremism that has been ravaging the province since 2017. This topic is relevant because the traditional concept of huma-nitarian assistance presupposes support for victims of a disaster caused by nature or man-made, and the province of Cabo Delgado presents a growing demand for humanitarian assistance due to the ongoing prolonged violent conflict. In Cabo Delgado, there are victims of a violent, unconventional, low-intensity conflict. More than 1 million people are in need of humanita-rian assistance, of which more than 50% are women and children (OCHA 2021). Along with terrorism, climate disasters, such as Cyclone Keneth in 2019, and the COVID-19 Pandemic, which began affecting Mozambique in 2020, are exacerbating the state of vulnerability of humanitarian victims. Combined, these events force non-state humanitarian actors to operate in an environment characterized by uncertainty, insecurity, and unpredictability. Nevertheless, these humanitarian actors may operate beyond what is defined by traditional humanitarian principles, which concern saving lives and allevia-ting the suffering of humanitarian victims, including developmental actions that may result in the reduction of state power in the humanitarian space and that lead to the implementation of political action by external forces. If prolonged, this scenario may accentuate the weakening of state power. Given this context, one wonders what challenges and opportunities are derived from the humanitarian support process in Cabo Delgado. This paper seeks to reflect on the emerging challenges and oppor-tunities arising from the humanitarian assistance process in Cabo Delgado. Specifically, it sought to a) define what humanitarian assistance is; b) analyze the emerging challenges for humanitarian actors in Cabo Delgado; and c) analyze the emerging opportunities for humanitarian actors within the pro-cess of humanitarian assistance in the region. We started from the hypothesis that the problem of the humanitarian assistance process in the context of violent extremism creates emerging challenges and opportunities for non--state humanitarian actors that are linked to human security, management, and coordination of humanitarian actions.
Topic:
Security, Violent Extremism, Armed Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance
Political Geography:
Africa, Mozambique, and Cabo Delgados