PUBLICATIONS

Ships in the Port of Kenya (Credit: Kenyan Ministry of East African Affairs)

A Path Towards Innovation: 5G and Technology Cities in Kenya

Isaac Clemons, Research Associate, African Political Economy Policy Lab July 4, 2022

Kenya has always looked towards technology as a means to develop. In the past, Kenya has embraced the idea of technology hubs. Today, it is embracing 5G. Kenya quickly adopted 5G technology when it became available, a decision that mirrors Kenya’s traditional affinity for technological innovations. This piece will address the following question: How will Kenya’s technology landscape change as these two forces combine?

The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Can Africa Hold a Place?

Fisayo Fagbemi and John Oluwasegun Ajibike June 28, 2022

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has come with huge opportunities and challenges for the African continent. Given that the 4IR results in a complete societal shift, potential risks could lead to greater challenges. Proper awareness and understanding are vital as Africans increasingly embrace new technologies. Since African countries cannot afford to remain on the periphery of the international economic order, bridging education and skill gaps through the overhaul of African education systems is critical to helping Africa hold a meaningful place in the 4IR. Indeed, playing a fundamental role in this era is vital for Africa.

Vaccine Apartheid: The Structural Racism of the Intellectual Property Rights Regime

Caroline Ognibene, Research Fellow, Resource, Environment and Energy Policy Lab June 12, 2022

This report argues that the current limitations on Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing as upheld by the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights are a codification of racist and exploitative political maneuvering. Far from a natural outcome of universally understood intellectual property law, the decision to limit access to vaccine development is a result of the pharmaceutical industry’s extensive influence. The harms of this intellectual property regime entrench structural racism not only within public health but also in the nonprofit sector.