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This research paper by Dr. S Narayan analyzes the evolution of India's trade reforms from independence in 1947 through 2007. It details the transition from a socialist, import-substitution model characterized by tight state controls to a liberalized, pro-market economy triggered by the 1991 balance of payments crisis. The document examines specific reforms in tariffs, export controls, exchange rates, and the services sector, while evaluating the resulting impact on GDP growth, total factor productivity, and the direction of international trade.

This research paper by Ron Sandrey examines the comprehensive economic and trade policy reforms implemented in New Zealand starting in 1984. It details the transition from a highly regulated, subsidy-dependent economy—historically reliant on the United Kingdom—to one of the most open economies in the world, focusing specifically on the deregulation of agriculture and the reduction of border tariffs.

This report summarizes a workshop hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) on June 23, 2009, regarding energy services within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The document outlines the challenges of liberalizing trade in energy services, the tension between universal electricity access and tariff levels for Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and the need for a regional integrated resource plan to reduce dependence on Western information and fossil fuels.

In a speech delivered on 23 March 2010, Lesetja Kganyago, Director General of the National Treasury, discusses the role of the South African rand and macroeconomic policy in driving economic competitiveness. He argues that while a depreciated exchange rate can support exports, it is not a 'silver bullet' and must be accompanied by low inflation, productivity growth, and microeconomic reforms to be effective.

This report summarizes an inception workshop held on 1-2 February 2011 by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM). The workshop examined the political economy of regional integration in Southern Africa, focusing on the challenges of overlapping memberships in regional economic communities (RECs), the influence of dominant member states, the role of external donors, and the impact of partnerships with the European Union and other emerging partners.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the Strategic Partnership between the European Union (EU) and South Africa, focusing on the second Heads of State meeting held in Cape Town on 11 September 2009. It examines the shift from a development-focused relationship to a high-level political alliance aimed at addressing global issues, trade, and regional stability in Africa.

This report details Austria's diplomatic, trade, and development relations with Africa, particularly in the context of its 2006 European Union Council presidency. It outlines Austria's strategic focus on North Africa via the European Neighbourhood Partnership, its limited trade with the continent compared to the EU, and its targeted development assistance in East and Southern Africa.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines Germany's evolving foreign policy and economic relations with Africa, with a specific focus on its 'strategic partnership' with South Africa. It details the transition from Cold War-era ideological instrumentalisation to a post-2000 policy of concentrated bilateral aid and partnerships for reform, while contextualising these efforts within Germany's own domestic economic challenges and its role within the European Union.

This report details Italy's foreign policy and diplomatic, economic, and security relations with Africa, with a specific focus on the Horn of Africa and bilateral ties with South Africa.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs details the foreign policy, economic status, and African engagements of the Netherlands, with a specific focus on its bilateral relationship with South Africa.

This fact sheet describes the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and its Schools Development Programme, specifically the Global Classrooms initiative in Johannesburg. The programme uses Model United Nations (MUN) simulations to teach secondary school students research, diplomacy, and international affairs, aiming to address skills shortages in these disciplines at the tertiary level.

The 'Air Aware: Youth Statement on Air Pollution in Johannesburg' is a declaration by young people from various Johannesburg communities detailing the health and environmental impacts of air pollution and demanding systemic changes in air quality management, waste services, and youth governance.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs assesses the institutional capacity and strategic alignment of the South African Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). It examines the gap between the department's ambitious foreign policy goals—particularly the 'African Agenda'—and its operational realities, including significant personnel shortages, high vacancy rates, and a lack of detailed performance reporting.

This policy brief examines the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund (RDF) to address infrastructure financing gaps in Southern Africa. It argues that the region's infrastructure deficit is primarily caused by a lack of bankable projects due to failures in early-stage project preparation and a lack of national capacity, rather than a simple lack of overall funding. The authors recommend that the RDF prioritise seed funding for project definition, pre-feasibility, and capacity building, while leveraging existing structures like the SADC Project Preparation and Development Fund (PPDF) to ensure sustainability and regional ownership.

This policy brief analyzes the New Development Bank's (NDB) approach to the Use of Country Systems (UCS) for infrastructure financing. It examines how the NDB leverages the public financial management (PFM) and environmental and social frameworks (ESFs) of member states to increase efficiency, while providing recommendations to mitigate financial and reputational risks as the bank expands its membership.

This policy briefing by Cyril Prinsloo of the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the challenges and opportunities associated with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) increasing their Use of Country Systems (UCS)—specifically domestic public financial management (PFM) and environmental and social frameworks (ESFs)—in infrastructure financing for developing countries.

This research paper by Mzukisi Qobo examines the global and domestic landscape of beneficial ownership transparency, focusing on the implementation of G20 High-Level Principles. It analyzes the challenges faced by South Africa and other African nations in curbing illicit financial flows (IFFs), money laundering, and corruption, while reviewing the regulatory approaches of several G20 member states.

This research paper examines the trade reform of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), focusing on the challenges and opportunities for regional integration among its member states. Through eight case studies of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland (BLNS), the paper identifies significant regulatory, infrastructure, and systemic barriers that hinder the development of cross-border value chains. It argues that the current SACU structure is dominated by South Africa and that a regional development fund could be a critical tool to finance infrastructure and reforms necessary to deepen economic integration and alleviate poverty.

This research paper analyzes the dynamics of South African foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade within Africa from 2006 to 2018. It finds that while South Africa remains a dominant intra-African investor, its relative influence is declining due to increased competition from global actors, particularly China, and other African nations. The paper highlights South Africa's role as a regional distribution hub and suggests policy shifts toward deeper trade liberalization and better public-private collaboration to maintain its economic footprint.

This policy briefing evaluates the feasibility of establishing a regional stabilisation fund for the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) to counter revenue volatility. The author argues that such a fund is inappropriate due to the differing sources and scales of revenue volatility among member states and a lack of historical precedent for regional stabilisation funds. Instead, the document recommends revising the SACU revenue-sharing formula and implementing country-level fiscal instruments.