Developing Countries

Working Paper 207/2025: The Historical Constraints of Africa South-South Cooperation: 30 years of TICAD through the lenses of South-South-Triangular Cooperation

Abstract

Placing emphasis on the concepts of self-reliance and self-help, this paper contributes to the broad literature on South-South and Triangular cooperation, first, to understand its conceptual significance to south-south cooperation; second, to understand why from an historical perspective south-south cooperation has not advanced in Africa; and third, drawing on three decades of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, to understand the extent of TICAD contribution to promoting Africa’s self-reliance, essential to ending Africa’s marginalization and exit aid dependency. Based on insights from cross-analysis OECD reports, TICAD documents, UN and OAU historical resolutions, and secondary literature, through a qualitative and chronological approach, roughly from 1960 to 2022, we find that the role of TICAD through SS-TrC not only has contributed to structural development changes in Africa, but also redefined the paradigm of development assistance based on country ownership and equal partnership, thus becoming part of the Global Agenda for Development.

Cite this Working Paper

Amakasu Raposo de Medeiros Carvalho, Pedro Miguel (2025). “The Historical Constraints of Africa South-South Cooperation: 30 years of TICAD through the lenses of South-South-Triangular Cooperation”. CEsA/ISEG Research – Documentos de trabalho nº 207/2025

Working Paper 206/2025: Multiplexing Corporate Power: Navigating corporate autonomy in the EU Global Gateway

Abstract

The EU’s Global Gateway initiative relies on corporations to achieve geoeconomic goals, creating structural dependence on actors with autonomous transformation capacity. By analyzing official documents and three flagship projects (Lobito Corridor (Angola), Dakar BRT (Senegal), and Lumut Maritime Industrial City (Malaysia)) I develop a “geoeconomic force multiplexing” framework explaining how corporations process public inputs across geographic, sectoral, temporal, and network dimensions. Four “multiplexer profiles” emerge from the interaction of leverage and patron dependence: autonomous (high leverage, low dependence), directed (high leverage, high dependence), bounded (low leverage, high dependence), and opportunistic (low leverage, low dependence). The EU faces inherent tension: channeling priorities through high-leverage corporations invites lower steerability, while more dependent actors lack transformative capacity. Delegating implementation to corporate actors creates path-dependent lock-ins that may redirect or undermine original objectives.

Cite this Working Paper

Pais Bernardo, Luís (2025). “Multiplexing Corporate Power: Navigating corporate autonomy in the EU Global Gateway”. CEsA/ISEG Research – Documentos de trabalho nº 206/2025

Working Paper 205/2025: Obstacles to US Pension Fund Investment in Africa

Abstract

African agency in geopolitical times: playing with EU and Chinese ontological security

Abstract

In 2021 the European Union (EU) launched Global Gateway (GG). This new €300 billion European strategy is intended to boost the EU’s involvement in areas such as transport infrastructure, green energy, and digitalisation in developing countries. The African continent is expected to benefit with half of the expected figures. Much of the debate in the past few years has attempted to dissect the (geo)political, financial and economic dimensions of GG from the perspective of Brussels and EU Member States’ policymakers. However, very little has been discussed on how African policymakers have perceived GG. This paper will thus focus on African agency in the context of GG and the broader framework of Africa–EU relations. Moreover, it will compare this agency with that which has been displayed in the past decade of relations between Africa and China. Drawing on an ontological security analytical framework, the paper seeks to understand the new dynamics and contestations of African agency in the continent’s relations with the EU and China that have been ignored in both mainstream and critical approaches to EU foreign policy studies.

Cite this Paper

Duggan, N., Haastrup, T., Hogan, J. J., Mah, L., & Bernardo, L. (2025). African agency in geopolitical times: playing with EU and Chinese ontological security. Third World Quarterly, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/01436597.2025.2551134

Circuitos de Comercialização Informal de Produtos Agrícolas na Guiné-Bissau: Relatório de Análise

Abstract:

This book examines the informal circuits of agricultural product marketing in Guinea-Bissau, based on field research conducted across all regions of the country. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data, the study reveals the strategies, challenges, and operational logics adopted by vendors — particularly women — who ensure urban supply and the livelihood of thousands of families. Focusing on the female informal economy, it highlights practices of resistance, community solidarity, and exclusion. The book also offers recommendations for public policies that acknowledge and value this vital sector.

Cite this ebook:

Sangreman, C., & Vaz, J. (2025, agosto). Circuitos de comercialização informal de produtos agrícolas na Guiné-Bissau: Relatório de análise. Lisboa: CEsA/ISEG Research/ISEG. ISBN 978-989-54687-7-5

Mundo Crítico No 12: Desafios actuais do financiamento

Abstract:

Over the past few months, we have been witnessing profound changes in what is known as Development Aid. The reduction of ODA by several countries, including the USA and the United Kingdom, is opening up new scenarios at a time when a more multipolar world vision is emerging—one that increasingly favours a “blended growth” model, where diverse types of financing and approaches combine the public and private sectors. Another element to consider is the growing importance of large-scale philanthropic actors in Development Cooperation. The “Conversa Imperfeita” that opens this edition of “Mundo Crítico”, bringing together Ana Fernandes and Ndongo Samba Sylla, reflects on the tensions running through this new ODA context, highlighting longstanding structural issues while also attempting to outline the new challenges posed by this present moment and the near future.

In the same vein, the contributions in this edition reflect on the so-called ODA crisis from various perspectives, following the evolution of this mechanism and moving towards an outlook capable of engaging with the emerging world order, as well as the financial implications that come with it. Alongside these more analytical texts, we have chosen to publish the Portuguese versions of pieces that point towards concrete proposals aimed at a fairer reform of resource allocation, and consequently, the distribution of wealth. To help foster alternative thinking, we also offer a reflection on the Participatory Budget in Uzbekistan, as a case study in development financing through public participation.

The “Modos de Ver” section features part of a report on the international e-waste trade, carried out in Ghana by journalists Paula Borges and Djibril Mandjam, the result of a journalism grant from an ACEP initiative in partnership with Eurodad. The same issue is at the heart of one of the “Narrativas”, while another provides an insider’s account of the drastic funding cuts from USAID.

The theme of the “Ecos Gráficos” section is the exploitation of creative labour. This edition concludes with a review of Carlos Lopes’s book The Self-Deception Trap.

Cite this Journal:

ACEP & CEsA (2025). “Desafios actuais do financiamento”. ISEG/CEsA – Centro de Estudos sobre África e Desenvolvimento. Revista Mundo Crítico nº 12 (Jul 2025). ISSN 2184-1926

A Framework on Eudaimonic Well-Being in Destination Competitiveness

Abstract:

This research proposes a framework for Eudaimonic well-being in destination competitiveness. This framework is based on the theoretical Ritchie and Crouch’s model (1993, 2000, 2003) and the recent theoretical notion that a travel trip may influence life satisfaction through tourists’ experiences. We conducted a qualitative study based on 34 in-depth interviews with key tourism stakeholders in Cape Verde, a small island developing country (SIDS) dependent on the tourism sector. The findings contribute to identifying specific sources of positive and negative effects that may affect the tourists’ and residents’ overall sense of well-being and thus affect the overall destination competitiveness.

Cite this Paper:

Sarmento, E. M., Loureiro, S., Mendes, Z., Monteiro, J. M., & Fernandes, S. (2025). A Framework on Eudaimonic Well-Being in Destination Competitiveness. Tourism and Hospitality, 6(3), 135. https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6030135

A Social Science Research Laboratory as a Mixed Methods on Human Rights in a Fragile State: Guinea-Bissau 2014–2024

Abstract:

This case study describes and reflects on an original research process on Economic and Social Human Rights in Guinea-Bissau between 2014 and 2024. Human rights research is multidisciplinary, with sociology and political science bearing the greatest weight, as they are closely connected due to their focus on social structures, political institutions, and processes of governance and government, but law, history, psychology, social psychology, economics, and anthropology also must be considered when defining a research methodology on this topic. The challenge of this case study is to show what has been done over 10 years in the research for a methodology to articulate these disciplines, with the definition of different samples, with data collection through face-to-face surveys, presentations of results, debates, interviews, and publications, with the considering of analyses of other collateral themes, to produce a consistent and well-founded analysis.

What we hope to be able to share are, above all, two aspects of research in general: first, designing a methodology is an activity that is built on a more artisanal logic. In other words, it must be thought out and carried out with patience, persistence, and great care regarding “ready-made” stereotypes methods. Second, the larger and more complex the problem to be investigated and its social context, the more time is needed for research that coherently and satisfactorily answers the hypotheses put forward.

It is the answers to these methodological questions that we have tried to find over the years that we hope to summarize and present in this chapter.

Cite this paper:

Turè, B., Sangreman, C., Faria, R., & Bäckström, B., (2025). A social science research laboratory as a mixed methods on human rights in a fragile state: guinea-bissau 2014–2024. In Sage Research Methods: Data and Research Literacy. SAGE Publications, Ltd., https://doi.org/10.4135/9781036217266

Quo Vadis Turismo

Cite this paper:

Sarmento, E. (2025). Quo Vadis Turismo. In Anuário do Turismo de Cabo Verde: A Consolidação dos Produtos Turísticos – 2025 (pp. 14-15). Praia, Cabo Verde.

Ebook – 3rd EJICPLP Africa: A ciência para a realização dos Objectivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Agenda 2030

Abstract:

It is with great pleasure that we present the outcomes of the 3rd Meeting of Young Researchers from the CPLP on Africa, held in Luanda on 27 and 28 March 2024. This event, which has already established itself as a key platform for science and development within the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), brought together more than 700 participants around the theme “Science for the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda,” fostering a fertile environment for the exchange of ideas, reflections, and collaborations.

With around 30 speakers, including senior researchers, experts, and high-level national and international institutional representatives from various fields of study, eight thematic panels were discussed to deepen knowledge about Africa and its sustainable development, particularly in the areas of Tourism, Energy, Education, Economy, and African Women. The event addressed critical issues related to poverty eradication, environmental protection, and social prosperity. This edition highlighted the role of science in transforming African realities, reflecting on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of the Global South.

The importance of this Meeting goes beyond the impressive number of participants or the lively discussions that marked the two days of activities. The event is a unique scientific forum for young people across the CPLP and brings together a vibrant network of researchers in an itinerant and innovative format. It represents the collective effort of young researchers to give voice to issues that directly affect the development and future of their countries, reinforcing the scientific leadership of CPLP youth.

In this edition, 35 scientific papers by young researchers were presented, selected from among the 65 papers received through the Call for Papers, by a Scientific Committee composed of 30 professors from various universities in CPLP countries.

This book is more than a simple collection of articles; it represents the dedication of young researchers who strive to redefine the role of science in their societies. Through the discussions and analyses presented here, we hope not only to inspire new debates, but also to encourage concrete actions in support of inclusive and sustainable development in CPLP countries.

With the crucial support of the Centre for African and Development Studies (CEsA) and partner organisations such as Angola’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Felcos Umbria, this edition also demonstrates the value of collaboration and international partnerships essential to the success of this project.

We hope these pages offer an enriching perspective on the scientific contributions of Portuguese-speaking youth, as well as concrete actions towards inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in the PALOP countries.

We believe this book marks a milestone on the path towards a more open, collaborative, and transformative science.

Cite this e-book:

D’Abril, Cristina Molares e Jessica Falconi (2024). “III EJICPLP África: A ciência para a realização dos Objectivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Agenda 2030”. ISBN: 978-989-54687-6-8