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The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) critiques the draft Promotion and Protection of Investment Bill 2013, arguing that while it seeks to create regulatory space for socio-economic transformation, several provisions deviate from international standards. Key concerns include the subjective nature of 'public interest' and 'just and equitable' compensation for expropriation, the lack of clarity in investment screening processes, and the potential for 'denial of justice' due to the bill's subordination of customary international law to the South African Constitution. SAIIA suggests that these ambiguities may undermine foreign investor confidence, particularly following South Africa's decision to terminate bilateral investment treaties (BITs).

The research paper outlines a strategic framework to align South Africa's TVET system with the needs of a future green hydrogen economy. Using foresight tools like the Three Horizons Framework and scenario planning, it identifies systemic failures in the current TVET model—such as misalignment with industry needs and funding deficits—and proposes a shift toward 'economic wellbeing' rather than just job placement. The framework suggests sustained innovations, such as scaling Centres of Specialisation (CoS), and disruptive innovations, including nano/micro-credentialing and the use of AR/VR toolkits, to ensure a just labour transition by 2050.

The document analyzes Malaysia's transition from a commodity-reliant economy to a manufacturing and services hub through four phases of industrial policy: import substitution, export-oriented industrialization, heavy industry substitution, and high-technology export orientation. It argues that trade reforms were deeply entwined with the New Economic Policy (NEP) aimed at poverty eradication and restructuring society to benefit the Bumiputera community. While the reforms led to significant GDP growth and poverty reduction, the authors note that the state maintained control over strategic sectors through Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) and that growth has recently trended downward.

The document examines South Africa's attempt to frame its economic and trade policies within the concept of a 'developmental state,' drawing comparisons with the 'Asian Tigers.' It argues that South Africa's unique socio-political context—specifically its status as a pluralistic democracy and the legacy of apartheid—makes the direct transplantation of authoritarian Asian models impossible. The author highlights tensions within the ruling ANC alliance between pro-poor transformative goals and the need for market-oriented growth and foreign investment. The paper traces the evolution of economic strategy from the early 1990s macroeconomic stabilization (GEAR) to a more recent focus on micro-economic efficiency and industrial policy (ASGI-SA and NIPF). It concludes that South Africa must develop a unique model that combines development with democracy, focusing on human capital, infrastructure, and a professionalized bureaucracy rather than a state-centric, authoritarian approach.

The document examines how the BLNS countries are constrained by South Africa's regional dominance and the SACU common tariff. It highlights a critical vulnerability: because BLNS government revenues rely heavily on the SACU customs pool, South African trade liberalisation could decimate their budgets. While some scenarios show welfare gains—particularly for Swaziland's sugar exports to the EU—these are offset by massive potential losses in tariff revenue. The paper argues that the BLNS have limited independent trade policy space and suggests that negotiations with the EU should be conducted on a Customs Union-to-Customs Union basis.

The document examines South Africa's nascent green hydrogen economy, positioning the country in the 'technological readiness' phase of market development. It argues that while some input manufacturing is emerging, there is a critical need for coordinated industrial and energy policies—including capital grants and electricity tax exemptions—to drive commercial production. A central focus is the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, where the author identifies a 'wide chasm' between graduates and employment. The paper advocates for a shift toward 'anticipatory governance' and 'skills foresight' to better align vocational training with the evolving demands of the green hydrogen value chain, ensuring a just transition for workers displaced from the coal industry.

The report argues that Africa has a significant opportunity to transition from a 'pit-to-port' resource extraction model to a green industrialization strategy focused on solar PV, batteries, and electric vehicles. It highlights that while Africa holds approximately 30% of the world's essential transition mineral reserves, it lacks investment in manufacturing, with most clean-tech imports originating from G20 countries, particularly China. The document proposes a G20 Action Plan involving a financing roadmap, a dedicated partnerships platform, and reforms to international trade and technology access norms to enable African countries to build competitive local value chains and create millions of green jobs.

The document outlines a comparative analysis of the solar PV and wind industries in five major economies from 2001 to 2011. It investigates how different policy incentives across the value chain—including R&D, manufacturing, installation, and power generation—impacted installed capacity, job creation, and equipment prices. The research aims to identify successful strategies for balancing the dual goals of nurturing domestic manufacturing and providing low-cost energy to the public.

The report analyzes China's transition from a low-carbon technology importer to a major manufacturer, focusing on supercritical/ultrasupercritical (SC/USC) coal-fired power, onshore wind energy, and blast furnace top gas recovery turbine (TRT) technology. It identifies key building blocks for success, including long-term government commitment, direct R&D funding, and the improvement of businesses' technological absorptive capacity. While China has bucked the trend of slow technology deployment in lower-middle-income countries, the report notes tensions regarding intellectual property rights (IPR) and the risks of prioritizing localization over global industry integration. It concludes that effective domestic policy and clear government signals are essential for the market to embrace low-carbon technologies.

The report identifies a critical inflection point for the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM) ahead of its 2026 reauthorization, arguing that its current policies are outdated and favor incumbent corporations over innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It highlights the global energy transition as a primary growth sector, noting that global energy demand increased by 2.6% (369 terrawatt hours) in early 2025, met entirely by new renewable energy. The document warns that China currently leads in global investments in these sectors, surpassing the combined investments of the US, UK, and EU. To remain competitive, the report recommends that EXIM increase its risk tolerance by raising the default rate cap, revise domestic content policies, and expand support for critical material inputs to ensure US workers capture the millions of jobs shifting from legacy energy to cleaner sectors.