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This report chapter argues that while market economies are powerful tools for resource allocation, they are frequently dysfunctional due to theoretical misconceptions, capital misallocation, and organizational or regulatory failures. It proposes 'natural capitalism' as a framework to extend market principles to all forms of material value, including natural capital, by identifying and turning market imperfections into business opportunities for resource efficiency.

This report chapter explores the concept of "human capitalism," using the city of Curitiba, Brazil, as a primary case study to demonstrate how integrated, whole-system design can solve multiple social, economic, and environmental problems simultaneously. It argues against single-problem, single-solution approaches, advocating instead for a philosophy that treats citizens as a precious resource and leverages synergies between urban planning, transportation, and social services.

This case study examines the regulatory barriers hindering the development of a regional fuel ethanol market within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), focusing on sugarcane as a primary feedstock.

This research paper by Elizabeth Sidiropoulos argues that for the BRICS grouping to be perceived as a positive alternative to existing dominant global powers, it must move beyond its image as a collection of emerging markets and embrace an inclusive developmental agenda. The author proposes that the BRICS should lead on four specific global challenges: rising inequality, the finite nature of the Anthropocene age, the rise of identity-based radicalism, and the tension between state sovereignty and the provision of global public goods.

A statement by Trevor Manuel, Minister in the Presidency for National Planning, delivered on 18 September 2009, discussing Africa's economic vulnerabilities and the need for the continent to strengthen its regional integration and institutional capacity to effectively influence global governance reform.

This research paper by Zhu Jiejin discusses the establishment and strategic role of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) as a mechanism for new South–South co-operation. The author argues that the NDB is designed to address the significant infrastructure financing gaps in developing countries and to supplement, rather than replace, existing multilateral development institutions. The paper proposes five guiding principles for the NDB's institutional design: fair governance, market-based operation, non-intervention with high standards, localisation, and constructive supplement.

This policy brief examines the adaptation and integration of Chinese immigrants in Zambia, challenging the narrative of 'Chinese self-isolation' through survey data and comparative analysis. It argues that perceived isolation is often a result of workplace requirements rather than ethnocentricity and recommends that African governments and Chinese entities improve localization efforts.

This policy brief examines the impact of Chinese investments in Tanzania's plastic recycling industry and the subsequent effects of China's 2018 import ban on waste materials. It highlights how Chinese firms have facilitated technology transfer and local business growth, while also noting significant environmental and health risks and a potential decline in local waste sourcing due to the import of cleaner waste from Europe and the US.

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 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 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.

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 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 research paper assesses the feasibility of establishing a regional stabilisation fund for the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) to counter revenue volatility. The author concludes that a regional fund is inappropriate and infeasible because member states experience different degrees of volatility driven by different revenue sources. Instead, the paper recommends that member states focus on revising the SACU revenue-sharing formula or implementing country-level fiscal tools such as medium-term expenditure frameworks and fiscal rules.

This research paper examines Botswana's experience with multilateral development banks (MDBs) in financing infrastructure, specifically focusing on the African Development Bank (AfDB). It identifies systemic delays in loan processing and procurement as primary challenges while highlighting the success of non-lending knowledge services. The document also evaluates alternative financing sources, such as public-private partnerships (PPPs) and domestic bond markets, noting that while these exist, they have not yet replaced the need for MDB lending.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the intersection between the G-20's global economic governance agenda and the development priorities of Africa, specifically as outlined in the African Union's Agenda 2063. It evaluates progress since 2010 in areas such as infrastructure financing and regional integration, noting that while the G-20 has mainstreamed development issues, African representation remains limited to South Africa as a permanent member.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes the development of the UN Global Compact for Migration (GCM) and the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). It examines the differences between the two frameworks, the challenges of defining 'migrants' versus 'refugees', and the specific risks associated with the low level of participation from African states in the GCM process.

This research paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on climate finance, specifically focusing on African perspectives and the implications for the COP26 negotiations in Glasgow. It analyzes the tension between pandemic-driven economic stimulus and climate goals, the persistent gap in adaptation finance, and the challenges of defining 'climate finance' to ensure accountability for the $100 billion annual pledge made by developed countries.

This research paper by Shada Islam, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in May 2009, examines the European Union's (EU) use of 'strategic partnerships' to increase its global political influence. The author argues that while these agreements boost the EU's visibility, they often lack substance and are hindered by internal EU divisions, a reliance on 'soft power' over military capabilities, and diverging geostrategic interests with partners such as China and India.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) advocates for the scaling of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in the marine and coastal environments of Southern Africa. It highlights the vulnerability of SADC coastal communities to climate risks and identifies key barriers to EbA implementation, including policy silos, funding gaps, and lack of community inclusion. The document proposes the creation of a regional community of practice and a coordinated SADC strategy to enhance climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.