Fifty-seven years ago today, the Organisation of Africa Unity was born.

Founded by 32 states, its quest was to bring about freedom and unity on the continent. The body was renamed the African Union in 2002 but its goal remains the same in 2020: a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa for all.

While the arrival of coronavirus on the continent has been a setback for states, it also offers a unique opportunity for decision-makers to think differently about the future of trade, technology access, climate action and health governance on the continent.

Here is a selection of some our original research and analysis on the issues facing the continent today and recommendations for charting a path ahead:

• Africa after COVID-19 and the retreat of globalism
• Renewed urgency to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area: How can Africa prepare now? The Digital Economy and Ecommerce in Africa: Drivers for the African Free Trade Area?
• COVID-19: Implications for the ‘digital divide’ in Africa
• Key African priorities for a post-2020 global biodiversity framework
• Fragile African health systems face COVID-19 catastrophe
• The ‘Kagame Reforms’ of the AU: Will they stick?

Research by various authors, SAIIA Programme, African Governance and Diplomacy