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This policy brief by the Johns Hopkins SAIS China-Africa Research Initiative (CARI) examines two distinct models of Chinese agricultural investment in Africa through case studies in Ghana and Nigeria. It contrasts a small-scale, private entrepreneurial model in Ghana with a large-scale, state-backed public-private partnership in Nigeria, analyzing their motivations, land acquisition challenges, and social impacts.

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This research paper examines the contribution of Chinese construction enterprises to local skill development in Ghana, comparing them with other foreign and local firms. Using 2016 survey data from 12 enterprises, the study finds that Chinese firms contribute positively to both short-term general and long-term specific training for local workers, often at higher rates than other foreign firms. However, structural challenges such as low technical education quality, low employee retention, and communication barriers hinder the effectiveness of skill transfer.

This research paper analyzes the impact of Chinese Development Lending (CDL) and World Bank Development Lending (WBDL) on the participation of 35 African countries in global value chains (GVCs) between 2000 and 2018. The author finds that while Chinese loans increase the overall intensity of GVC participation—primarily through infrastructure investments in transport and communications—World Bank loans are more effective at helping countries move toward higher value-added, upstream positions in production networks due to their focus on social sectors like education and health.

This research paper examines the expanding diplomatic and economic relationship between China and Africa, highlighting a shift from aid-driven engagement to a commercial partnership dominated by trade and investment. While noting the potential for African economic growth and infrastructure development, the document also addresses concerns regarding debt sustainability, the impact of cheap imports on local industries, and the lack of transparency in Chinese lending.

Opening remarks delivered by Mr. Fred Phaswana at a conference commemorating 10 years of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and China, hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa.

A briefing detailing trade, investment, and aid statistics between China and African countries up to 2007, including specific figures for trade volume, foreign direct investment, and technical assistance projects.

This 2008 report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the strategic relationship between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs), focusing on the role of the Macau Forum as a foreign policy instrument. It analyzes the economic motivations driving China's engagement—specifically energy and food security—and the varying expectations of the PSCs, ranging from market expansion for Brazil and Portugal to infrastructure and development aid for African PSCs and East Timor.

This research paper by Elizabeth Sidiropoulos and Ross Herbert examines the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), a voluntary governance assessment tool launched by the African Union in 2002 under the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). The authors analyze the APRM's structure, its five-stage review process, and the varying degrees of civil society involvement in early participating countries, while highlighting the critical importance of publishing final reports to ensure government accountability.

This research paper analyzes the macroeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Senegal and evaluates the fiscal and monetary policy responses implemented to mitigate economic decline. It provides a historical overview of Senegal's economic crises and structural adjustments from the 1970s through 2019 to establish a baseline for the pandemic's effects.

This research paper analyzes the macroeconomic policy responses of the government of Benin and the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) to the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary measures, the resulting economic impact on GDP and inflation, and the specific targeting of the agricultural and microfinance sectors to ensure food security and support the informal economy.

This report synthesises case studies from six sub-Saharan African countries to analyse government macroeconomic policy responses to the trade and employment shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It evaluates these responses against long-term goals of social inclusivity and climate resilience, while proposing strategies for recovery and debt management between 2021 and 2026.

This policy briefing, produced as part of the COVID-19 Macroeconomic Policy Response in Africa (CoMPRA) project, analyzes Tanzania's macroeconomic policy development and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It details the fiscal and monetary measures implemented by the government and the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) to avoid recession, the economic impacts of the pandemic on GDP and trade, and provides recommendations for future financial stability, social protection, and climate resilience.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the intersection of Tanzania's post-COVID-19 recovery strategies and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). It argues that the COVID-19 response provides a critical window to integrate climate resilience into macroeconomic policy, particularly through 'green recovery' paths in agriculture, health, tourism, and water sectors. The paper highlights significant financing gaps, noting that the NDC requires $14.2 billion, with a heavy reliance on international development partners, and suggests innovative financing and public-private partnerships to bridge these gaps.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a crisis of confidence and significant gaps in global governance, particularly regarding the World Health Organization (WHO). The authors call for a total overhaul of global governance principles, increased financial and technical support for the WHO, and a redefinition of international security to include global health threats.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines how developing countries have adapted their governance strategies within the World Trade Organization (WTO). It argues that an 'ideational shift' has occurred, where the South now views the WTO as a development and trade institution rather than purely a trade liberalization forum. The author highlights the rise of informal, issue-based coalitions as a rational response to power imbalances and negotiating constraints, enabling developing nations to pool resources and influence outcomes in the Doha negotiations.

This report summarizes a high-level regional conference hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), the ODI, and ECDPM on November 24-25, 2008. The event focused on the impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) on regional integration in southern Africa, the challenges of overlapping memberships in regional economic communities, and the viability of current integration models such as customs unions.

A speech delivered by Søren Asp Mikkelsen, Deputy Ambassador of Denmark to South Africa, on October 26, 2009, discussing the objectives of the upcoming COP15 climate conference in Copenhagen and Denmark's experience with green growth through wind energy.

This research paper by Bill Bowen analyzes the political economy of Australia's unilateral trade and economic reforms from the 1970s through the early 2000s. It examines how the country transitioned from a highly protected 'fixed price country' to a competitive global economy, highlighting the roles of independent research bodies, political leadership, and social compensation mechanisms. The document is intended to provide lessons for South Africa as it considers similar reform paths.

This research paper analyzes Brazil's trade policy and reform, noting a significant increase in trade surpluses and productivity following liberalization in the 1990s. However, it argues that Brazil remains relatively closed compared to other BRIC nations and is hindered by the 'Brazil Cost' (bureaucracy and infrastructure deficits). The author contends that current trade policy is overly driven by geopolitical goals—such as seeking a UN Security Council seat—rather than commercial strategy, and calls for a more transparent, strategic, and less bureaucratic trade regime.