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This report documents a roundtable held in Johannesburg in June 2014, focused on revitalising multilateral trade negotiations within the World Trade Organization (WTO) following the 2013 Bali package. The discussions centered on the rise of mega-regional trade agreements, the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), the future of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA), agricultural impasses, and the integration of African economies into Global Value Chains (GVCs).

This research paper by Elizabeth Sidiropoulos argues that for the BRICS grouping to be perceived as a positive alternative to existing dominant global powers, it must move beyond its image as a collection of emerging markets and embrace an inclusive developmental agenda. The author proposes that the BRICS should lead on four specific global challenges: rising inequality, the finite nature of the Anthropocene age, the rise of identity-based radicalism, and the tension between state sovereignty and the provision of global public goods.

This working document, compiled by the Network of Southern Think Tanks (NeST), proposes a conceptual framework to define, account for, and measure the quality and impact of South-South co-operation (SSC). It seeks to establish a common narrative and methodological approach for Southern partners to track development co-operation independently of the OECD-DAC's Official Development Assistance (ODA) standards.

This diagnostic report synthesises findings from five dialogues held in developing countries to explore paths for revitalising multilateral trade negotiations following the stalemate of the Doha Round. It examines the rise of mega-regional trade agreements (MPTAs) and plurilateral approaches as alternatives to the World Trade Organization's (WTO) consensus-based model, while highlighting the specific needs of developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs) in the context of global value chains (GVCs) and agricultural reform.

A statement by Trevor Manuel, Minister in the Presidency for National Planning, delivered on 18 September 2009, discussing Africa's economic vulnerabilities and the need for the continent to strengthen its regional integration and institutional capacity to effectively influence global governance reform.

This research paper by Zhu Jiejin discusses the establishment and strategic role of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) as a mechanism for new South–South co-operation. The author argues that the NDB is designed to address the significant infrastructure financing gaps in developing countries and to supplement, rather than replace, existing multilateral development institutions. The paper proposes five guiding principles for the NDB's institutional design: fair governance, market-based operation, non-intervention with high standards, localisation, and constructive supplement.

This policy brief analyzes the barriers to technology transfer from Chinese telecommunications equipment providers, specifically Huawei and ZTE, to South African companies. Based on fieldwork conducted in 2015, the author identifies three primary obstacles: the rise of managed services contracts, challenges regarding the legitimacy and professionalism of Chinese firms, and a weak institutional and regulatory framework in South Africa.

This policy brief examines the adaptation and integration of Chinese immigrants in Zambia, challenging the narrative of 'Chinese self-isolation' through survey data and comparative analysis. It argues that perceived isolation is often a result of workplace requirements rather than ethnocentricity and recommends that African governments and Chinese entities improve localization efforts.

This policy brief examines the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) into Africa, focusing on the shift from resource trade to infrastructure and industrial cooperation. It highlights the opportunities for regional integration and industrialization, while warning of the financial risks associated with debt-based lending and the need for African governments to ensure project viability and local capacity building.

This policy brief examines the impact of Chinese investments in Tanzania's plastic recycling industry and the subsequent effects of China's 2018 import ban on waste materials. It highlights how Chinese firms have facilitated technology transfer and local business growth, while also noting significant environmental and health risks and a potential decline in local waste sourcing due to the import of cleaner waste from Europe and the US.

This policy brief examines the development of railway infrastructure in Ethiopia, comparing the Chinese-funded Addis Ababa-Djibouti standard gauge railway (SGR) with the Turkish-built Awash-Kombolcha-Hara Gebeya/Weldiya (AKH) line. It analyzes the trade-offs between different financing models, the effectiveness of technology transfer and capacity building, and the role of Ethiopian government agency in project design.

This research paper analyzes the impact of Chinese Development Lending (CDL) and World Bank Development Lending (WBDL) on the participation of 35 African countries in global value chains (GVCs) between 2000 and 2018. The author finds that while Chinese loans increase the overall intensity of GVC participation—primarily through infrastructure investments in transport and communications—World Bank loans are more effective at helping countries move toward higher value-added, upstream positions in production networks due to their focus on social sectors like education and health.

This research paper examines the expanding diplomatic and economic relationship between China and Africa, highlighting a shift from aid-driven engagement to a commercial partnership dominated by trade and investment. While noting the potential for African economic growth and infrastructure development, the document also addresses concerns regarding debt sustainability, the impact of cheap imports on local industries, and the lack of transparency in Chinese lending.

Opening remarks delivered by Mr. Fred Phaswana at a conference commemorating 10 years of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and China, hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa.

A briefing detailing trade, investment, and aid statistics between China and African countries up to 2007, including specific figures for trade volume, foreign direct investment, and technical assistance projects.

This 2008 report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the strategic relationship between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs), focusing on the role of the Macau Forum as a foreign policy instrument. It analyzes the economic motivations driving China's engagement—specifically energy and food security—and the varying expectations of the PSCs, ranging from market expansion for Brazil and Portugal to infrastructure and development aid for African PSCs and East Timor.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a crisis of confidence and significant gaps in global governance, particularly regarding the World Health Organization (WHO). The authors call for a total overhaul of global governance principles, increased financial and technical support for the WHO, and a redefinition of international security to include global health threats.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines how developing countries have adapted their governance strategies within the World Trade Organization (WTO). It argues that an 'ideational shift' has occurred, where the South now views the WTO as a development and trade institution rather than purely a trade liberalization forum. The author highlights the rise of informal, issue-based coalitions as a rational response to power imbalances and negotiating constraints, enabling developing nations to pool resources and influence outcomes in the Doha negotiations.

A speech delivered by Søren Asp Mikkelsen, Deputy Ambassador of Denmark to South Africa, on October 26, 2009, discussing the objectives of the upcoming COP15 climate conference in Copenhagen and Denmark's experience with green growth through wind energy.

This research paper analyzes Brazil's trade policy and reform, noting a significant increase in trade surpluses and productivity following liberalization in the 1990s. However, it argues that Brazil remains relatively closed compared to other BRIC nations and is hindered by the 'Brazil Cost' (bureaucracy and infrastructure deficits). The author contends that current trade policy is overly driven by geopolitical goals—such as seeking a UN Security Council seat—rather than commercial strategy, and calls for a more transparent, strategic, and less bureaucratic trade regime.