Every decade, the United Nations hosts a financing for development, or FfD, conference, offering the world a chance to commit to a shared vision for international development. The next conference, FfD4, will take place in Seville, Spain, at the end of June 2025. This gathering comes at a critical time, as the global economy faces headwinds, multilateralism weakens, and conflicts escalate. It presents an opportunity to think bigger and make radical changes to create sustainable growth and economic transformation for Africa and its global partners.

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Authors: Rob Floyd, Mma Amara Ekeruche, Martin Kessler & Beverly Musili 

Public procurement is the system through which governments acquire goods, services, and infrastructure to support public welfare and enhance operations. It plays a crucial role in resource allocation. However, procurement systems are often susceptible to fraud and inefficiency. In Nigeria and across Africa, research identifies four key areas that require sustained reform to improve procurement systems and outcomes:

1)Increasing the inclusion of women-owned businesses in public procurement

2)Assessing technical capacity to ensure the effectiveness of procurement processes

3)Enhancing accountability by increasing transparency and making procurement data more accessible

4)Leveraging behavioral science to drive ethical outcomes in procurement

Through a collaborative study with the Africa Growth Initiative (AGI) at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC, USA, the University of Stellenbosch in Cape Town, South Africa, CSEA has been examining procurement practices, with the aim of providing new and innovative solutions to reforming procurement practices and mitigate corrupt losses of procurement funds—both in Nigeria and across the African continent.

We recently published some research papers and training manual, via Brookings.

Transparency in the procurement process in Nigeria

Governments allocate public funds toward social goods and services as an essential component of provision of public goods and economic planning. This is facilitated through public procurement, which is the process through which the government acquires works, goods, and services from the private sector. The estimate among OECD countries shows that public procurement accounts for a 12.9% share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021. In developing countries, public procurement was estimated to be around 30% of the GDP and represented more than 30% of total government spending before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2016, the annual expenditure on procurement in Nigeria was estimated to range from 10% to 25% of GDP. READ MORE 

Imperative of human resources in effective public procurement: Challenges and prospects in Nigeria

Public procurement is an important component of governance, as it comprises purchases by a government to ensure quality and efficient public service delivery. The public procurement process requires technical competence in various areas, including financial, legal, administrative, sector-specific knowledge, and an understanding of local and global supply chains from where the public goods and services will be sourced. In this regard, the human resource system and skill development programs, often referred to as human development, are part of extensive public procurement reforms. READ MORE

Reforming public procurement in Nigeria: What needs to change

Nigeria faces significant challenges with corruption, as illustrated by the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index. Public procurement is particularly vulnerable, and is one of the main areas through which corruption manifests in the public sector. Addressing corruption in public procurement is therefore important for a number of reasons. First, procurement is a lever for development that helps to ensure projects deliver development benefits to beneficiaries. It is vital to promoting sustainability and is also crucial for the effective utilization of public funds. READ MORE

Public procurement and good governance in Nigeria: Training manual

Public procurement governs the state’s acquisition of goods and services needed to fulfill its public functions through private transactions with commercial suppliers. The training presumes that participants have a basic understanding of the public procurement system, but also includes a module that is an introduction to public procurement in Nigeria. Each module is designed to provide practical information on the topics under study and includes reading materials, exercises, and additional resources for further learning. READ MORE

Despite international frameworks and regional commitments to combating Gender-based violence (GBV), millions of women across the world, particularly in Africa continue to face high prevalence of violence. This violation of  fundamental human rights not only harms individuals but also impedes progress towards sustainable development, prosperity, and equality. In commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, this article emphasises the urgent need to address gender-based violence in Africa. 

Background

Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide, affecting individuals in every country and across all segments of society. It entails any harm or threat of harm inflicted on a person due to male-female power imbalances entrenched within a society (UNICEF, 2024). GBV can be physical, sexual, mental, or economic in nature. Sexual violence, intimate partner violence, female genital mutilation, child marriage, sex trafficking and femicide are all forms of gender-based violence. While men and boys can also be victims of GBV,  women and girls experience this violence at a disproportionately higher rate. Globally, an estimated 736 million women (nearly one in three) have faced  physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. The prevalence of GBV  has intensified in different settings, such as the workplace and online spaces, and has been further exacerbated by post-pandemic effects, climate change, and conflicts. Survivors of GBV often suffer from related consequences including severe physical injuries, unwanted pregnancies, exposure to HIV or other sexually transmitted infections, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. 

Although the international community has made strides in creating awareness and addressing violence against women, as outlined in the Maputo Protocol, Beijing Declaration, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5.2), progress remains uneven, especially in regions grappling with poverty, political instability, and limited institutional capacity.

Key Statistics on Violence against Women and Girls in Africa

*Gender-based violence in Africa remains pervasive and multifaceted, manifesting as physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence. 

*Approximately 42% of women in Eastern and Southern Africa, and 37% of women in Sub-Saharan Africa experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. These figures are well above the global average of 30%.

*Africa has some of the highest child marriage rates, with 4 out of 10 girls married before the age of 18, especially in countries like Niger (76%) and the Central African Republic (68%).

*Africa accounts for more than 50% of all cases of Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C), which affects over 230 million women and girls worldwide

*In 2022, Africa recorded the largest number of Femicide with approximately 20,000 women and girls killed by their intimate partners or other family members. This is nearly half of the global total of approximately 48,800. 

*Gender-based violence costs African countries an estimated 2% to 4% of GDP annually primarily due to  lost productivity and health-related expenses. For instance, South Africa loses $2 billion annually as a  result of  GBV-related costs.

Challenges in Addressing Gender-based Violence (GBV)

Significant barriers still persist, despite various national and regional policies aimed at reducing GBV in Africa. Some of these barriers include: 

Cultural Norms and Traditional Beliefs: In many African communities, particularly in rural areas, deeply ingrained  gender roles often justify or normalise violence against women, especially within marriage or intimate relationships. For instance, studies show that about 51% of African women believe that a husband is justified in beating his wife under certain circumstances, such as infidelity or neglect of household duties. These beliefs perpetuate  abuse and make it difficult for women to seek help.

Shame and Stigmatization: Victims of gender-based violence, particularly sexual violence, frequently face shame and ostracization when they report abuse. This stigma is intensified in  communities where victims are seen as complicit in the violence, discouraging women from speaking out or seeking justice. As a result, many cases of GBV are often underreported, complicating efforts to measure and address the problem effectively.

Conflict and Displacement: Armed conflicts in Africa, especially in regions like the Sahel, Central African Republic, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and northern Nigeria have led to alarming rates of sexual violence and exploitation against women and girls. In these  conflict zones, women are increasingly vulnerable to abuse and face high risks of violence. Displacement driven by conflict or environmental crises, place women and girls in precarious situations where they may lack basic protections. For instance, internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and refugee settlements often lack adequate security, making women targets of sexual violence and exploitation.

Limited Support Services and Inadequate Funding: Many African countries struggle with  budget constraints that limit access to essential support services for GBV survivors, such as safe shelters, legal aid, and psychological counselling. In addition, many GBV initiatives in Africa are funded by international donors rather than national governments, leading to inconsistent and sometimes unsustainable interventions. Without stable domestic funding, these programs risk discontinuation, and efforts to establish a permanent, accessible support system for survivors remain limited. As a result, the reach and effectiveness  of GBV interventions are undermined, particularly in fragile and conflict-prone regions.

Weak Legal and Policy Framework: While many African nations have laws that prohibit GBV, significant gaps still exist. For instance, marital rape is still not universally criminalized in several countries, limiting legal recourse for many women. Even in countries with comprehensive legal frameworks, enforcement is often weak, allowing perpetrators to remain unaccountable. In addition, limited resources and inadequate training for law enforcement officials and judicial staff often prevent the effective implementation of existing laws. Some law enforcement representatives  lack the sensitivity to handle GBV cases properly, and survivors often face judgement, victim-blaming, or even retaliation when they  come forward. For instance, law enforcement officers in some regions may pressure survivors to reconcile with their abusers rather than pursue legal action, which further perpetuates cycles of abuse.

Policy Recommendations

To significantly mitigate violence against African women and girls, a multisectoral approach that brings together governments, civil society, and international organisations is essential. Prioritising women’s rights across the continent can help accelerate progress toward sustainable development and create a safe and more inclusive society that upholds human dignity. Some recommended strategies to achieve this include:

Strengthen Legal Frameworks and Enforcement: African Governments should align national laws with international and regional protocols on GBV. Traditional norms and beliefs that do not support basic human rights should not be upheld. Efforts should focus on closing legal gaps, particularly regarding marital rape and domestic violence. Additionally, governments should invest in more training and capacity-building programs for law enforcement and judicial officials to ensure the effective, fair and prompt enforcement of GBV laws.

Invest in Prevention and Support Services: African Governments should prioritise increased funding allocation for essential support services such as safe shelters, psychological counselling, and medical services for GBV survivors. Prevention programs to create awareness about GBV and reform harmful societal norms are crucial  to fostering positive social change. These programs should focus on promoting respect for women and girls, and enhancing gender equality. To be most effective, prevention and awareness initiatives  should be integrated within schools, workplaces, and community groups. 

Promote Education and Economic Empowerment for Women: Expanding access to education for girls, along with vocational training, can help reduce vulnerabilities to early marriage and economic dependency – two common precursors to violence. Having women and girls access their right to quality education can increase their independence, freedom, and employability. Furthermore, economic support programs such as  micro-loans and vocational training, should be developed for survivors to help them rebuild their lives and achieve financial independence. 

Enhance Data Collection and Monitoring: Reliable, disaggregated data on gender-based violence is crucial for understanding the full scope of the problem and tailoring responses. Enhanced data systems will enable African nations to measure progress, identify high-risk groups, and assess intervention effectiveness. Thus, governments should strengthen data collection systems to capture accurate data on GBV prevalence, types, and outcomes. This can be achieved by establishing clear protocols for reporting GBV incidents to ensure that data is collected uniformly by trained personnel. Also, a centralised and secured national database to track GBV incidents should be developed, allowing for systematic collection and analysis. This could include cases reported to law enforcement authorities, healthcare facilities, and support services, enabling a comprehensive view of GBV trends across sectors.

Expand Partnerships with Civil Society Organizations and NGOs: Governments should collaborate with NGOs, especially those with expertise in GBV, to design and implement community-based interventions. Also, funding should be allocated to local NGOs working on GBV prevention and support, recognizing their role in bridging service gaps. Stable long-term funding will empower these organisations to plan and execute interventions effectively. 

Image:Sandro Bozzolo

Nigeria faces significant challenges with corruption, as illustrated by the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index. Public procurement is particularly vulnerable, and is one of the main areas through which corruption manifests in the public sector. Addressing corruption in public procurement is therefore important for a number of reasons. First, procurement is a lever for development that helps to ensure projects deliver development benefits to beneficiaries. It is vital to promoting sustainability and is also crucial for the effective utilization of public funds. Furthermore, procurement accounts for up to 50% of government expenditures in sub-Saharan Africa, making it essential from a policy implementation and financial management perspective.

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Authors- Sope Williams and Adedeji Adeniran

Climate change is arguably one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century with severe impacts on humanity. While the health implications of tobacco use are well-documented, the environmental damage caused by the tobacco industry is equally concerning. Tobacco is responsible for over 8 million deaths globally- 7 million of these deaths are caused by direct use of tobacco while 1.2 million are a result of second-hand smoke. 

Given the ongoing climate crisis, the tobacco industry poses a significant threat to the planet, ranking among the world’s largest polluters and contributors to global warming. The acute environmental damage caused by the tobacco industry begins long before its products are consumed and continues long after they are discarded.

Each year, the tobacco industry claims more than 8 million human lives, destroys 600 million trees through deforestation, consumes 200,000 hectares of land, depletes 22 billion tonnes of water, and generates 84 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The entire lifecycle of tobacco products, from cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, sales and final disposal of end products (cigarettes), has a profound impact on both the environment and public health.

Tobacco farming is primarily concentrated in low-income countries, largely due to the industry’s efforts to cut costs and bypass stringent regulations. To maximise profits, tobacco is typically grown in a monoculture setting, where large quantities of a single crop are cultivated on the same piece of land. To manage the challenges of monoculture, the industry utilises large amounts of toxic chemicals and pesticides, which pose huge risks to farmers and the environment. Annually, between one to five million pesticide poisonings occur, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 11,000 farmers globally. Tobacco farming also contributes to food insecurity as lands that could otherwise have been used to grow food crops essential for human well-being are diverted for tobacco cultivation. Over time, tobacco farming degrades the quality of the soil, reducing its ability to support the growth of nutritious food crops.

Furthermore, tobacco cultivation contributes to water pollution and land degradation.  The heavy use of pesticides and chemicals during tobacco farming contributes to soil degradation while chemical residues from these farms have been detected in nearby waterways. Even after consumption, cigarette butts discarded in water bodies pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. Research has shown that the chemicals leaching from a single cigarette soaked in a litre of water for 24 hours can kill 50% of both saltwater and freshwater fish within 96 hours.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 22 billion tonnes of water are used during tobacco production globally. This is equivalent to the volume of water that flows into the Amazon River (the largest river in the world). Tobacco farming is extremely water-intensive, requiring up to eight times more water than tobacco farming. The lifecycle of a single cigarette, from cultivation to disposal, requires approximately 3.7 litres of water. This is particularly concerning, given that between 2000 and 2017, an estimated 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. As the demand for tobacco products continues to rise, so does the pressure on scarce water resources, exacerbating water scarcity and compromising the health of millions of people. 

The tobacco industry is also a major contributor to carbon emissions. It generates carbon dioxide in several ways, starting with the production of cigarettes. A single stick of cigarette produces up to 14 grams of CO2 throughout its lifecycle from production to disposal. On one hand, the tobacco industry is a major contributor to climate change and deforestation. Annually, it emits up to 80 million tonnes of carbon dioxide during production. Moreover, over 600 million trees are cut down each year to produce cigarettes. This process releases stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. On average, It takes about  one tree to produce 15 packs of cigarettes.”

Ways Forward

Reducing tobacco consumption and production is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The tobacco industry significantly contributes to climate change, exerting negative environmental impacts throughout its lifecycle; from deforestation to greenhouse gas emissions. 

To address this pressing concern, governments and policymakers must act fast. A multi-faceted approach is necessary to curb the environmental harm the industry poses as well as promote sustainable alternatives. 

Some policy recommendations include:

1. Support Farmer Transition: Implement policies to incentivise tobacco farmers to transition to sustainable crops. This includes providing training, technical assistance, and financial support.
2. Impose Strong Tobacco Taxes: Enact robust tobacco taxation policies to reduce consumption and generate revenue for public health programs.
3. Strengthen Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns: Collaborate with civil society organisations to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco production, consumption, and waste disposal.
4. Investment in Research and Development: Funding research into sustainable agriculture and innovative tobacco alternatives can develop more environmentally friendly practices and products.

By adopting these strategies, governments and policymakers can effectively address the climate impact of the tobacco industry, promote public health, and promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.