Executive Context This ABT policy research piece draws on the December 2025 International Institute for Strategic Studies report, The SAFE Regulation and Its Implications for Non-EU Defence Suppliers, by Ester Sabatino and Tim Lawrenson, and reframes its findings for policy, investment, and strategic advisory audiences. The report examines one of Read more
Executive Context The January 14, 2026 presidential proclamation on processed critical minerals and their derivative products marks an important shift in how the United States is framing mineral dependence. What was once treated largely as a trade and industrial policy concern is now being addressed explicitly as a national security Read more
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 provides more than an annual update on mineral production. It offers a strategic view into the health of the U.S. mineral base, the scale of dependence on foreign suppliers, and the growing importance of critical minerals in industrial policy, trade, and national Read more
The UK’s national minimum wage has increased to £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over, benefiting around 2.7 million people across the country. The rise, which takes effect this week, represents a 50p increase. Younger workers are also seeing pay boosts. Those aged 18 to 20 will now Read more
Executive Context Climate change has fundamentally altered the infrastructure policy landscape. For emerging economies, infrastructure is no longer solely a driver of growth; it is now a frontline defense against environmental disruption and a prerequisite for long-term economic stability. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation are accelerating the Read more
Executive Context Disasters test the strength of public institutions. Floods, droughts, earthquakes, pandemics, and industrial accidents can quickly expose weaknesses in governance, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness. When these systems fail, the consequences extend beyond immediate humanitarian crises. Economies slow, communities lose trust in institutions, and recovery can take years. Disaster Read more
By Abidemi Adebamiwa Executive Context U.S.-aligned capital is increasingly prioritizing critical minerals as part of a broader effort to diversify global supply chains, reduce overconcentration risk, and secure long-term access to strategic industrial inputs. This shift is driven by electrification, advanced manufacturing, defense, and food-security considerations rather than speculative commodity Read more
Advancing Sustainable Infrastructure Financing in Emerging Economies Strategic Approaches for Multilateral Institutions Published by: Abidemi Adebamiwa Executive Context Infrastructure development is a cornerstone of economic growth and social progress in emerging economies. Transportation networks, energy systems, water infrastructure, and digital connectivity underpin productivity, access to opportunity, and social inclusion. Yet Read more
Policy Challenges and Strategic Directions Executive Context Urbanization is accelerating across emerging and advanced economies, placing mounting pressure on housing supply, transport systems, water and sanitation networks, public safety, climate resilience, and local government finances. Urban planning is no longer only a land-use exercise; it is a governance and investment Read more
Governing Digital Infrastructure for Resilient and Inclusive Education Systems Executive Summary Digital infrastructure has become a foundational pillar of modern education systems. Broadband connectivity, cloud-based learning platforms, student information systems, cybersecurity frameworks, and digital content repositories now shape how education is delivered and accessed. However, in many developing economies, governance Read more