Green transition is increasingly gaining traction in Africa, while the EU Green Deal sets out to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emission in Europe. Nadia Ashraf and Jeske van Seters explore the drivers and bottlenecks of a green transition in Africa and look at possible implications for EU member states, specifically Sweden, and the EU’s engagement with the African continent in the context of the EU Green Deal.

Nigeria has committed to regional integration, but its actions can appear inconsistent. For example, in 2019 it unilaterally closed its land borders with neighbouring countries, causing major disruptions to regional trade networks. In cooperation with ENDA-CACID, Poorva Karkare and Jeske van Seters, with Michael Odijie and Ken Ukaoha, explore the country’s seemingly opposing dynamics in its trade and industrial policy.

Last month, the European Commission proposed the EU textile strategy as part of its circular economy package. Nadia Ashraf and Jeske van Seters discuss the new proposal’s global advantages and shortcomings in light of an increasing fast fashion industry.