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This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates the alignment of the G-20 food security agenda with the interests of the African continent. The analysis finds that while the G-20's commitments broadly align with African policy processes—particularly regarding food-price volatility, agricultural productivity, and nutrition—the G-20 has been slow to implement regulatory reforms and provide significant funding for African agriculture. The author argues that the G-20 often overlooks systemic issues requiring internal reform, such as biofuel policies and commodity speculation, which significantly impact food security in developing regions.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs evaluates the G-20's global food security agenda and its effectiveness in Africa. While the G-20 has established frameworks to address price volatility and agricultural productivity, the document argues that a lack of implementation of regulatory reforms and the persistence of protectionist trade practices within G-20 member states limit the actual impact on African food security.

An open letter from Friends of the Earth Africa and various NGOs addressed to the Prime Minister of Denmark, protesting statements made by Minister for Development Cooperation Christian Friis Bach. The letter rejects the imposition of failed development models from developed nations and asserts Africa's right to food sovereignty and sustainable, self-determined development.

This case study examines the complexities of regional infrastructure planning in Southern Africa, focusing on the SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan (RIDMP). It analyzes the roles of various stakeholders—including governments, development finance institutions, donors, and the private sector—and discusses the challenges of financing, coordination, and the socio-environmental impacts of large-scale projects, using the Lesotho Highlands Water Project as a specific example.

This case study examines the challenges and mechanisms for financing infrastructure in Africa, with a specific focus on the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It analyzes the shift from official development assistance and commercial bank lending toward alternative funding modalities, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), infrastructure bonds, sovereign wealth funds, and diaspora-led financing, to meet the massive capital requirements of regional development plans.

This policy brief examines the African Union's (AU) security framework, its transition from the non-interventionist norms of the OAU, and its evolving partnership with the United Nations (UN) to maintain peace and security in Africa.

This report analyzes the strategic importance of President Barack Obama's June 2013 visit to Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania. It frames the visit as part of a broader shift in US-Africa relations, moving from the strategic indifference of the 1990s toward a partnership focused on economic growth, democratic strengthening, energy security, and youth leadership development, while competing with China's significant trade presence on the continent.

This policy brief argues for the urgent establishment of a standardised and integrated police roster system for the African Standby Force (ASF) to improve the recruitment, selection, and rapid deployment of qualified police personnel for peacekeeping missions.

The June 2013 Peace and Security Council (PSC) Report by the Institute for Security Studies provides detailed analysis of security crises in Somalia and Mali, evaluates the outcomes of the May 2013 AU Summit, and identifies early warning issues across Africa.

This research paper examines the failure of the biofuels sector in Zambia, where government goals of poverty reduction and energy security were undermined by a lack of policy safeguards, poor infrastructure, and the inability of small-scale farmers to access international markets.

This policy brief, based on a report by the Transport and Environment Science Technology Network (TEST), examines the intersection of transport and environmental challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically focusing on air pollution, road safety, traffic congestion, equity, and climate change.

Friends of the Earth International challenges World Bank claims that land lease deals in developing countries reduce poverty and hunger, arguing instead that land grabbing displaces communities, fuels conflict, and prioritizes exports over domestic food security.

This situation report by the Institute for Security Studies examines the mobilisation of private sector finance for climate change mitigation and adaptation, with a particular focus on developing countries and the role of the Green Climate Fund.

This research paper examines why South Africa is a founding member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) but remains absent from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). The author argues that South Africa's reliance on general domestic transparency laws is insufficient for the specific needs of the extractive sector and suggests that the government's reluctance is tied to geopolitical perceptions of double standards between the global North and South.

This research paper analyzes the impact of the death of 13 South African soldiers in the Central African Republic (CAR) on March 23, 2013, arguing that the incident exposed failures in democratic transparency and institutional accountability within South Africa's foreign policy. The author suggests that to preserve its 'African agenda,' South Africa must move away from Cold War-era anti-imperialist prisms, improve intelligence partnerships with traditional powers, and proactively domesticate its foreign policy through democratic scrutiny.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines the role of African states in the international nuclear security agenda, specifically in the context of the Nuclear Security Summit process and the 2013 IAEA International Conference on Nuclear Security. It argues for increased African engagement and cooperation to balance the peaceful use of nuclear technology with security requirements.

This guide provides a ten-step framework for parliamentarians, government officials, and local communities to negotiate agricultural investment contracts with foreign investors from a sustainable development perspective. It emphasizes the importance of preparatory data, independent feasibility studies, and legally binding environmental and social obligations to avoid the negative impacts often associated with large-scale land acquisitions.

This guide provides a 10-step framework for parliamentarians, officials, and local communities to negotiate investment contracts for agricultural land and water with foreign investors, focusing on sustainable development and the protection of local rights.

This research paper examines South Africa's strategic role within the BRICS forum, specifically focusing on how it leverages its membership to advance African infrastructure development, regional integration, and economic restructuring under the NEPAD framework.

The National Chairman's Annual Statement of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), delivered on 27 March 2013, analyzes South Africa's strategic position within a multipolar world. It discusses the role of the BRICS forum, the necessity of strengthening ties with other African regional powers, and the impact of domestic instability and military casualties in the Central African Republic on South Africa's global prestige and soft power.