SA should lead in putting Africa first

This research paper argues that South Africa should lead a campaign to nominate a qualified African candidate for the presidency of the World Bank to challenge the historical precedent of American appointments and advocate for global economic governance reform.

• The author asserts that traditional global powers, specifically Europe and the United States, remain resistant to change and continue to impose their will on the international community despite a loss of some authority, making the reform of global economic governance a "slow, painful process".
• The selection of the World Bank president is identified as a critical opportunity for reform, as the position has historically always been held by an American. While G20 members committed to an open, merit-based selection process, the author notes that the US is demanding an American appointee because Europeans "reneged on this commitment" regarding the IMF managing director appointment.
• The paper proposes that Africa should organize a campaign to support a qualified African candidate for the World Bank presidency. Even if the campaign fails to secure the appointment, it could provide collateral benefits by demonstrating African unity, reminding the bank of Africa's importance as a consumer of services, and establishing a precedent for transparent, qualification-based selection processes.
• South Africa is described as having a "special responsibility" to lead this initiative due to its role as a leading voice in Africa and its standing in global economic governance. The author suggests South Africa should identify a suitable candidate through consultation with allies and use its World Bank board seat and networks within the Brics, G20, and civil society to promote the candidate.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (2012). SA should lead in putting Africa first. https://saiia.org.za/research/sa-should-lead-in-putting-africa-first/

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. SA should lead in putting Africa first. 2012. https://saiia.org.za/research/sa-should-lead-in-putting-africa-first/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=SA should lead in putting Africa first |date=16 March 2012 |url=https://saiia.org.za/research/sa-should-lead-in-putting-africa-first/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairs2012should, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{SA should lead in putting Africa first}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2012}, month = mar, url = {https://saiia.org.za/research/sa-should-lead-in-putting-africa-first/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }