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This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies provides a progress update on the establishment of the African Standby Force (ASF), a multidisciplinary force designed to enable the African Union (AU) to respond to conflicts through peace support missions and interventions.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), an innovative governance assessment tool launched in 2002 under the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad). It details the APRM's five-stage review process, its continental and national institutional structures, and the practical challenges faced by 'pioneer' countries in implementing these rigorous, participatory assessments.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes the early experiences of countries participating in the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It examines the APRM as a political process, detailing the tensions between governments and civil society, and provides strategic guidance for civil society organizations to influence the review process. The document concludes with a critique of the APRM's operational shortcomings, specifically regarding time pressures, inadequate guidelines, and the superficial nature of Programmes of Action (POAs).

This report analyzes the implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in four pioneer countries: Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa. It examines the institutional structures, research methodologies, and political dynamics of each national process, highlighting the tension between government control and the need for independent civil society participation to ensure credible self-assessments and effective Programmes of Action.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs provides a practical guide and critical analysis of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), drawing on the experiences of 'pioneer' countries. It details the official guidance documents, the structural requirements for national implementation, and a comprehensive set of 80 lessons for success aimed at improving the process's transparency, inclusivity, and effectiveness.

This 2008 report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the multifaceted relationship between Ghana and the People's Republic of China, focusing on political ties, development assistance, trade, and foreign direct investment. It highlights China's role in addressing Ghana's infrastructure gaps in energy and telecommunications while noting the challenges posed by Chinese cost-competitiveness to local Ghanaian manufacturers.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) examines the global state of Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP). It analyzes legal frameworks, national and international programs, and the specific challenges faced by emerging and developing economies in integrating environmental, social, and economic criteria into public purchasing.

This research paper analyzes the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) as a tool for democratic institution building. It finds that while the APRM aims to foster transparency and dialogue, its progress is stalled by a lack of political will, technical capacity gaps, and financial shortages. The author argues that African governments often act as gate-keepers, limiting genuine public participation and the implementation of recommendations. The paper highlights the disparity in progress among member states, noting that by 2007, only Ghana had completed the full review process.

This report examines how the consolidation and increased market power of global supermarket chains affect global supply chains, specifically focusing on the challenges and opportunities for smallholder farmers in the developing world, with a particular emphasis on the fresh fruit and vegetable (FFV) sector in sub-Saharan Africa.

This fact sheet provides a list of countries that have signed, ratified, or acceded to the African Union (AU) Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism as of 23 June 2006.

This research paper by Prince Mashele of the Institute for Security Studies evaluates the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), contrasting it with previous African socio-economic initiatives. The author argues that NEPAD differs from its predecessors through its acceptance of globalisation, its defined administrative structures, and the introduction of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to address domestic governance. While the paper notes progress in policy development and specific infrastructure and agricultural projects, it highlights significant challenges regarding implementation capacity, funding gaps, and a lack of continent-wide political ownership.

This report by Friends of the Earth International critiques the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), challenging claims that it promotes regional integration, provides affordable energy to Ghana, or effectively ends gas flaring in Nigeria. The document highlights risks including legal unaccountability due to the project company's registration in Bermuda, economic burdens on Ghana through 'take-or-pay' contracts, and the continued environmental and health impacts of gas flaring in the Niger Delta.

A fact sheet from the Institute for Security Studies detailing the number of military observers, troops, and police contributed by 32 African countries to UN peacekeeping missions as of the end of April 2006.

The research paper argues that the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are insufficient for developing Africa because they focus on the symptoms of poverty rather than the underlying causes of economic stagnation. The author contends that by prioritizing measurable social targets over growth and productivity, the MDGs create an opportunity cost that diverts resources from essential commercial infrastructure, technical skills, and governance reforms. To address these gaps, the document proposes a set of 'African Millennium Growth Goals' focused on infrastructure, rural economies, skills, financial systems, and the rule of law.

This report by Friends of the Earth International argues that World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations and regional free trade agreements prioritize corporate profit over environmental sustainability and human rights, leading to the loss of livelihoods for millions of small-scale farmers, fishers, and indigenous peoples. The document details how trade liberalization facilitates the privatization of natural resources, undermines food sovereignty, and exacerbates climate change and desertification across various global regions.

This inaugural address by the National Director of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) argues that Africa's development depends on internal accountability, leadership, and a shift away from aid-dependency. The author highlights the rise of China and India as shifting global power dynamics and urges African states to implement industrial strategies to avoid a new 'scramble' for raw materials. The speech emphasizes the role of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the need for a vibrant civil society to hold governments accountable.

This 2005 report by Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) examines the critical link between environmental degradation and rural poverty. It argues that neoliberal economic models, characterized by privatization and industrial exploitation of natural resources, exacerbate poverty by stripping local communities of their self-determination and access to essential resources. The document presents various case studies from the Global South and North to demonstrate that poverty eradication is possible when communities maintain control over their natural assets through sustainable, community-led management and the recognition of environmental rights.

This report by Friends of the Earth International argues that poverty, particularly in rural areas, is inextricably linked to environmental degradation and the loss of community control over natural resources. It critiques neoliberal economic models, trade liberalization, and industrial agriculture for exacerbating poverty and ecological collapse, while presenting various community-led case studies as sustainable alternatives for poverty eradication.

This research paper chapter examines the negative dimensions of diaspora networking, specifically how migrants can facilitate organized crime, money laundering, and the financing of terrorism and armed struggles in Africa south of the Sahara. It analyzes the prevalence of informal remittance systems, the specific case of Nigerian criminal syndicates, and the socio-political drivers of xenophobia and immigration restrictions.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the evolution of corporate governance in South Africa, focusing on the influence of the King Reports and the country's role as a model for other African nations. It details the transition from a closed, racially-exclusive economy to a liberalised market with sophisticated governance codes, while highlighting ongoing challenges in enforcement capacity and the complexities of black economic empowerment.