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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 research paper by Professor Awadi Sadiki Mawenya, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in August 2008, examines the nature, causes, and economic impact of corruption within public procurement in Africa. It argues that corruption is a primary driver of poverty on the continent and proposes a holistic strategy for mitigation involving political will, legal frameworks, transparency, and the engagement of non-governmental actors.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines corporate governance within state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Africa, drawing on African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Country Review Reports. It argues that while SOEs are vital developmental tools, they are frequently hindered by politicised board appointments, unclear regulatory frameworks, and a lack of professionalisation. The document advocates for the separation of the state's role as owner from its role as regulator and recommends merit-based appointments to ensure SOEs operate as competitive companies rather than sources of political patronage.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines how mining projects in Africa can better contribute to sustainable development through strategic partnerships. It argues that mining-led growth is often hindered by a lack of cooperation between companies, governments, and NGOs, as well as a lack of long-term planning and regulatory capacity. The document advocates for the use of 'good practice' Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and the creation of shared infrastructure to maximize local economic and social benefits.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) argues for a re-invention of partnerships in Africa's extractive governance to drive inclusive and sustainable socio-economic transformation. It emphasizes the need for shared values, reciprocal responsibilities, and the alignment of national, regional, and continental visions—specifically the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Africa Mining Vision (AMV)—to move Africa beyond being a mere supplier of raw materials toward value-addition and beneficiation.

This policy briefing examines the role and challenges of National Governing Councils (NGCs) within the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). Based on a February 2015 workshop, the document argues that while NGCs are essential for developing Country Self-Assessment Reports (CSAR) and National Programmes of Action (NPoAs), a lack of standardized guidelines regarding their composition, funding, and legal status hinders their effectiveness and independence from political interference.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the status of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) as it attempts to transition from initial 'base' reviews to 'second-generation' periodic reviews. The author argues that while the APRM has successfully diagnosed governance problems across 17 countries, it has lost momentum and must now adapt its processes to improve efficiency, ensure the implementation of National Programmes of Action (NPoAs), and better utilize institutional memory.

This policy briefing, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in October 2015, compares the Open Government Partnership (OGP) with other international peer-review mechanisms, including the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), the UN's Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and the OECD's Anti-Bribery Convention Review (OECDA). It argues that the OGP's flexible, civil-society-led approach offers unique benefits for transparency and governance, and suggests that African nations should seek OGP membership and harmonise it with existing review obligations.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the gap between the African Union's (AU) normative commitments to democracy and human rights and the actual foreign policies of its member states. The author argues that strong sovereignty norms and a state-centric approach have hindered the domestication of human rights, leading to a state of 'stasis' or reversal in several countries. The brief recommends that the AU embrace global partnerships with civil society and that pivotal states like South Africa rejuvenate human rights as a core pillar of their external engagements to ensure continental stability.

This policy brief examines the role of emerging powers, specifically the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) forums, in the evolution of South–South co-operation. The author analyzes whether these alliances serve as genuine champions for the developing world or as self-serving entities pursuing global economic dominance. The document argues that for these forums to effectively challenge neo-liberal globalisation and benefit the most vulnerable regions, particularly Africa, they must move beyond political rhetoric toward inclusive, practical action plans and transparent mandates.

This policy briefing argues that while gender equity is recognized in international and regional frameworks, women in Africa still face systemic social, economic, and political barriers that hinder their equitable participation in the 'restoration economy'—the economic activity related to ecological restoration. The author contends that empowering women requires a multi-dimensional approach involving action-oriented decision-making, systemic legal reforms, and improved financial inclusion to move women beyond roles as mere providers of labor to active entrepreneurs and decision-makers across the restoration value chain.

This policy briefing examines South Africa's role as the host and president of the 17th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 17) to the UNFCCC in November and December 2011. It analyzes the geopolitical challenges of the climate negotiations, South Africa's efforts to coordinate a common African voice, its participation in the BASIC alliance, and the necessity of aligning its domestic climate policies with its international leadership ambitions.

This 2012 policy brief examines the struggle of Chinese Economic and Trade Co-operation Zones (ETCZs) in Africa to become operational. Despite official targets and approvals in countries like Zambia, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, most zones remain underpopulated or non-functional, with Egypt being the primary exception. The author identifies failures on the Chinese side, such as top-down developer selection and cultural barriers, and on the African side, including poor offsite infrastructure and a lack of regulatory frameworks to ensure local economic spillovers. The brief notes that private Chinese industrial zones in South Africa and Botswana have fared better than these official state-backed initiatives.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes South Africa's role as the host of the 2013 BRICS Summit. It examines how South Africa can leverage its membership in the BRICS group to advance its own national interests and promote the development and industrialization of Africa, while navigating the complexities of regional leadership and the predominantly bilateral nature of BRICS-Africa economic engagements.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the potential for biofuel technology transfer from Brazil to South Africa and other African nations through the India–Brazil–South Africa (IBSA) Forum. It highlights Brazil's leadership in bioethanol and suggests that while biofuels offer a path toward climate change mitigation and rural development, South Africa must first establish a coherent national strategy that balances energy needs with food security and land reform.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that effective governance, specifically the devolution of rights to local communities, is the essential 'linchpin' for the sustainable management of Africa's dryland forests. It highlights the economic under-valuation of these ecosystems and calls for policy incentives that align community benefits with conservation efforts.

This research paper examines the risk of stranded assets in Africa's extractives sectors as the global economy transitions toward low-carbon energy and a circular economy. It analyzes the economic threats to fossil-fuel-dependent nations, the potential for 'premature deindustrialisation', and the opportunities presented by the rising demand for critical minerals. The author argues for a 'just transition' that prioritizes social and developmental goals through economic diversification and improved governance to avoid the 'resource curse'.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines Africa's potential to become a global green hydrogen hub and outlines how G20 members can support a just energy transition on the continent. It highlights Africa's competitive advantages in renewable energy and infrastructure while detailing specific national projects and regional frameworks necessary for scaling production.

This policy brief examines the challenges of measuring and reporting local procurement in the African mining sector. It argues that aggregate spending figures often mask a lack of genuine local value addition, as many 'local' suppliers are merely importers. While some governments and international standards are beginning to demand more granular data, the document highlights a significant gap between current reporting practices and the data needed to steer effective economic policy.