Global South

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

Women’s Agricultural Production in Guinea-Bissau as a Means of Strengthening Their Identity

Abstract:

This article was developed from the study done for the Swiss Cooperation in Guinea-Bissau on women horticulturists. The data were obtained by surveys and interviews in the regions of Bissau, Biombo, Bafatá and Oio, with the producers (which also include a limited number of male producers) of leguminous agricultural products, in a sample of 160/1063 people chosen at random. To better understand the results, it must be said that this business model is not very profitable, but it is an activity that gives a greater independence of women in relation to men in the family space, combating the existing male authoritarianism, since decisions about the use of profits belong to the women producers. It also has a potential environment of action for the affirmation of the social (and not just family) identity of women that should not be despised although, as far as we can see, this is expressed for now only in the organization of associations of producers. The data matrix and the qualitative observations file are the property of SWISSAID, but the tables obtained from it can be provided to researchers who request them.

Cite this Paper:

Sangreman, C., & Melo, M. (2024). WOMEN’S AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN GUINEA-BISSAU AS A MEANS OF STRENGTHENING THEIR IDENTITY. Ars Educandi, 21. https://doi.org/10.26881/ae.2024.21.05

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

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

Working Paper 201/2025: A Glance at International Challenges of Refugee Crises in the New Millenium

Abstract:

This study investigates the intricate relationship between forced displacement and human development. By examining refugee outflows from key regions, this paper seeks to comprehend the factors driving these movements and their development implications. Employing a qualitative case study methodology, the research focuses on the five main refugee outflow countries in 2023. The paper finds that the most relevant factors that induce displacement are political violence, especially civil conflict, and climate change. Refugee emergencies have multiple aggravating elements, like economic crises, food insecurity, and infrastructure damage. Despite not identifying strong correlations between displacement and human development (measured through HDI), except for Syria, the study reveals that these emergencies are simultaneously humanitarian and developmental challenges. Repercussions are more prominent in the Global South since it is the origin and the destination of over 70% of displaced people. The findings reiterate the urgency for integrated policy responses that combine development and humanitarian efforts.

Cite this Working Paper:

Rocha, Marcela e Eduardo Moraes Sarmento (2025). “A glance at international challenges of refugee crises in the new millenium”. CEsA/CGS – Documentos de trabalho nº 201/2025

Entre eu e Deus by Yara Costa: An Unprecedented Representation of the Island of Mozambique

Abstract:

This article aims to dissect the documentary Entre eu e Deus with the primary objective of demonstrating that the director sets out to challenge images, representations and crystallized perceptions of the Island of Mozambique, Mozambican cultural identity and Islamic fundamentalism, and that she succeeds in doing so. The article consists of two main sections. The first provides a brief historical context of the Island of Mozambique and examines some visual representations that predate the documentary under analysis. Here, I pay particular attention to Licínio Azevedo’s documentary on the Island of Mozambique as a relevant antecedent of Yara Costa’s work. The second part provides a detailed analysis of Entre eu e Deus, demonstrating the director’s unprecedented representation of the Island of Mozambique.

Cite this Paper:

Falconi, J. (2024). Entre eu e Deus by Yara Costa: An Unprecedented Representation of the Island of Mozambique. Portuguese Studies 40(2), 175-188. https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/port.00014.