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This 2010 research paper analyzes the opportunities and challenges for South Africa to engage in international carbon trading to meet emissions targets. While South Africa is a leading African participant in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), it remains underrepresented globally compared to countries like China and India. The authors argue that while a local carbon market could stimulate green investment and jobs, success depends on regulatory certainty, financial support from developed nations, and a shift away from coal dependence.

This statement, delivered on October 6, 2010, outlines India's energy security strategy, highlighting the critical imbalance between growing energy demand and limited indigenous supply. It details India's reliance on imports, particularly for oil and gas, and its efforts to diversify sources through equity investments in Africa and the Middle East. The document discusses the role of coal as a primary energy source, the potential of nuclear and renewable energy, and the significant infrastructure investments required to sustain economic growth.

The Revised Social and Labour Plan Guidelines, published by the Centre for Environmental Rights in October 2010, provide a framework for applicants for mining and production rights in South Africa to develop Social and Labour Plans (SLPs). These plans are a prerequisite for granting rights under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (MPRDA) and are designed to transform the mining industry by promoting employment, socio-economic development, and the advancement of Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSA).

This research paper examines the tension between South Africa's developmental goals and its climate change commitments, highlighting the country's heavy reliance on coal for electricity and the challenges of transitioning to a lower-carbon economy while addressing poverty and energy shortages.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the crisis facing the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) as it celebrates its centenary. The author analyzes how Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations with the European Union and a shrinking revenue pool have threatened the organization's stability, potentially leading to its downgrade from a customs union to a free trade area. The paper combines general analysis with questionnaire results from policymakers in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola to explore the divergent interests of member states regarding revenue sharing, industrial policy, and regional integration.

This report documents a workshop held on August 31, 2010, regarding the impact of global financial reforms—specifically the G20's push for Basel III—on trade in financial services within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The discussions highlight the dominance of South Africa as a net exporter of financial services in the region and the potential for new regulatory barriers to emerge as South Africa implements global standards, which may reduce funding for riskier African prospects and infrastructure projects.

This research paper examines the challenges South Africa faces in diversifying its energy sources away from coal to ensure energy security and meet climate change mitigation goals, emphasizing the need for institutional reform and a coordinated government vision.

This research paper examines the concept of 'exceptionalism' in China's foreign policy toward Africa, analyzing the gap between Beijing's official rhetoric of mutual respect and non-interference and the practical challenges of implementing these principles amidst growing economic interests and the autonomy of sub-state actors.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines how Australia used transparency to successfully implement trade liberalisation and economic reform starting in 1983. It argues that transparency—defined as political honesty and the use of independent, evidence-based reporting—is essential for overcoming public and sectoral resistance to the short-term costs of trade reform. The document recommends that South Africa establish a body of independent experts, similar to Australia's Productivity Commission, to determine the benefits of reform and engage the public and media to build a coalition for change.

This research paper analyzes the economic opportunities and systemic risks associated with South Africa's strategic partnership with Russia following a state visit by President Zuma. While Russia offers significant potential as a global economic power, the author highlights severe barriers to entry for South African businesses, including high corruption, state dominance in strategic sectors, and a poor regulatory environment.

This research paper summarizes a Critical Thinking Forum co-hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Mail & Guardian in March 2010. The forum examined the interlinkages between South Africa's exchange rate, trade, and industrial policies, specifically debating whether currency intervention could boost export competitiveness in the wake of the 2008–10 global financial crisis.

A letter from the Centre for Environmental Rights to the South African Ministers of Mineral Resources and Water and Environmental Affairs, offering support to a newly established task team focused on mining in sensitive areas and proposing a formal request to prohibit mining in areas of critical biodiversity and hydrological value.

This research paper examines the existential challenges facing the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) as it marks its centenary. The author argues that the organization's survival depends on resolving internal dissonance regarding its revenue-sharing formula and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations with the European Union, while proposing a regional development fund to reduce the smaller member states' fiscal dependence on South Africa.

This position paper by Friends of the Earth International argues that tree plantations are monoculture agricultural systems, not forests, and that they cause significant biological, social, and cultural damage globally. The document criticizes the use of plantations as carbon sinks under the Kyoto Protocol and denounces the role of international organizations like the FAO in legitimizing these systems.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) details a scenario-planning exercise conducted in May 2010 to explore the future of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The authors identify key certainties and uncertainties—such as the impact of the global financial crisis and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations—to project four potential futures for the organization, ranging from deeper integration to total collapse.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the state of the multilateral trading system following the 2008–10 global financial crisis. It argues that a multilateral impasse is likely to persist due to a lack of leadership from the US and China, suggesting that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) must shift toward plurilateral agreements to remain relevant. The author highlights the specific challenges for South Africa, which faces a 'negotiating stretch' as it attempts to represent broader African interests while managing its own role as an emerging middle power.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies examines the efficacy of targeted sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe's ruling elite. It details the various restrictive measures implemented by Western governments and international bodies, argues that these 'smart sanctions' have been largely ineffective due to implementation loopholes and regional support for the Mugabe regime, and suggests a conditional, middle-ground approach to lifting some restrictions to encourage political progress under the Inclusive Government.

This report by Friends of the Earth International critiques the World Bank's role in international climate finance, arguing that the institution's history of financing fossil fuels and deforestation contradicts its claims of leading climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.

This report analyzes the barriers and opportunities for clean energy investment in South Africa, focusing on the transition from a coal-dependent energy system dominated by the state-owned utility Eskom to a more diversified renewable energy mix. It examines national policies, regulatory frameworks, and the role of provincial and local governments in promoting sustainable energy.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs evaluates the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), arguing that despite criticisms regarding its ability to hold heads of state accountable, the system has successfully institutionalized governance monitoring, spurred national reforms, and promoted peer learning across the continent.