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This report examines the integration of sustainable development into the regional and bilateral trade arrangements of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), comprising South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Swaziland. It analyzes the tension between trade liberalization and national development goals, the impact of the SACU Revenue Sharing Formula, and the outcomes of various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The study concludes that most trade deals focus almost exclusively on market access, neglecting social and environmental pillars of sustainable development.

This research paper by Marianne Camerer examines the requirements for effective anti-corruption systems, particularly within the context of new democracies in Africa. The author argues that a single-agency approach is often insufficient and that sustainable reform requires a combination of data-driven policy, a matrix of legal and oversight institutions, ethical leadership, and active partnerships with civil society and the media.

This research paper by Robert Mattes, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs, argues that representative public opinion surveys are essential for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to achieve a comprehensive national self-assessment. The author contrasts the limitations of 'participatory' public consultations with the precision of random probability sampling and provides a technical framework for conducting credible surveys in Africa, including sampling stages, cost estimates, and the necessity of avoiding 'head of household' bias.

This practical handbook, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), provides guidance for Technical Research Institutes (TRIs) tasked with conducting research for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It outlines the chronological process of creating Country Self-Assessment Reports (CSARs), offering strategies to manage the technical, managerial, and political challenges inherent in evaluating national governance.

This guide, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in June 2008, provides practical instructions for Technical Research Institutions (TRIs) conducting research for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It details the planning, methodology, and political navigation required to produce National Self-Assessment Reports (NSARs) and Action Plans (APs), drawing on experiences from pioneer countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa.

This report provides an analysis of the parliament of Lesotho, covering its composition, electoral system, and the role of the political opposition, concluding with recommendations from Professor Francis K Makoa.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the evolving relationship between China and Africa. It argues that African nations must shift from an ideological 'liberation paradigm' to a pragmatic 'economic paradigm' to avoid Chinese dominance and ensure mutual benefit. The author suggests that Africa should leverage China's need for energy resources to secure technology transfer, local development projects, and fairer trade terms, while utilizing the China-Africa Co-operation Forum to coordinate a continent-wide strategy.

This research paper argues that high taxes and tariffs imposed by governments in poor countries, particularly in Africa, create significant financial barriers to accessing life-saving medicines and medical supplies, undermining international aid and drug price reductions.

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 briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs assesses South Africa's foreign policy, economic relations, and security role within Africa since 1994. It highlights the transition from the 'principled' approach of the Mandela era to the 'pragmatic' African Renaissance agenda under Thabo Mbeki, while noting the tensions between South Africa's regional economic dominance and its desire to avoid being perceived as a 'big brother'.

This policy brief from the Stockholm Environment Institute examines the critical role of ecosystem services in buffering human populations against climate change and the risks associated with the loss of ecological resilience. It highlights how environmental degradation, combined with climate stressors, increases human vulnerability—particularly for poor and marginalised groups—and may trigger large-scale forced migration and humanitarian crises.

This research paper examines international migration patterns in southern Africa, focusing on the challenges of data collection and the implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Draft Protocol on Facilitation of Movement of Persons. It analyzes the typology of voluntary and forced migration, the prevalence of xenophobia in destination countries, and the need for harmonized legislation to achieve regional integration.

This research paper examines international migration patterns in southern Africa, focusing on the challenges of data collection and the implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Draft Protocol on Facilitation of Movement of Persons. It analyzes the dynamics of voluntary and forced migration, the prevalence of xenophobia in destination countries, and the need for harmonized legislation to achieve regional integration.

This briefing by Dr M Masiiwa of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes the strategic options for Zimbabwe as it faces a choice between joining the proposed Customs Unions of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) or the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). While Zimbabwe has stronger existing trade links and political ties with SADC, the document suggests a preference for COMESA due to its larger market, more balanced economic competition, and faster pace of integration.

This research paper by Kurt Shillinger analyzes South Africa's transition from a regional hegemon during the apartheid era to a self-appointed champion of the 'Global South' in international diplomacy. It argues that while regional strategic rebalancing within southern Africa is not currently underway, South Africa is actively pursuing a rebalancing of global economic and diplomatic power through non-aligned blocs and the United Nations.

This 2007 report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and UN-INSTRAW examines the gender dimensions of migration and remittances within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It highlights the increasing 'feminization' of migratory flows and the critical role of remittances as a household livelihood strategy, while noting a significant lack of sex-disaggregated data and gender-sensitive policies in the region.

This trade policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the political economy of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), focusing on the transition from a model of South African dominance to the consensus-based 'open regionalism' established by the 2002 agreement.

This research paper examines the state of human trafficking research in South Africa as of 2006, arguing that existing data is rudimentary, methodologically weak, and overly focused on sexual exploitation. It calls for more sophisticated, dispassionate research and the adoption of innovative methodologies to inform the development of specialized anti-trafficking legislation.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the state of services trade within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It identifies critical deficiencies in core infrastructure services—transport, energy, telecommunications, and finance—as significant constraints on the region's economic growth and international competitiveness. The document reviews regional integration efforts, the impact of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), and the challenges associated with the movement of natural persons (Mode 4) for service provision.

This 2006 report analyzes trade and investment barriers between South Africa, India, and Brazil. It finds that while trade is growing, particularly between South Africa and Brazil, it remains hampered by high tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and a lack of awareness among the business sector regarding the IBSA initiative. The report recommends reducing customs duties, improving infrastructure, and involving the private sector in trade agreement implementation.