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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 research paper by Elizabeth Sidiropoulos and Ross Herbert examines the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), a voluntary governance assessment tool launched by the African Union in 2002 under the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). The authors analyze the APRM's structure, its five-stage review process, and the varying degrees of civil society involvement in early participating countries, while highlighting the critical importance of publishing final reports to ensure government accountability.

This research paper analyzes the macroeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Senegal and evaluates the fiscal and monetary policy responses implemented to mitigate economic decline. It provides a historical overview of Senegal's economic crises and structural adjustments from the 1970s through 2019 to establish a baseline for the pandemic's effects.

This report synthesises case studies from six sub-Saharan African countries to analyse government macroeconomic policy responses to the trade and employment shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It evaluates these responses against long-term goals of social inclusivity and climate resilience, while proposing strategies for recovery and debt management between 2021 and 2026.

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.

This report summarizes a high-level regional conference hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), the ODI, and ECDPM on November 24-25, 2008. The event focused on the impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) on regional integration in southern Africa, the challenges of overlapping memberships in regional economic communities, and the viability of current integration models such as customs unions.

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 by Bill Bowen analyzes the political economy of Australia's unilateral trade and economic reforms from the 1970s through the early 2000s. It examines how the country transitioned from a highly protected 'fixed price country' to a competitive global economy, highlighting the roles of independent research bodies, political leadership, and social compensation mechanisms. The document is intended to provide lessons for South Africa as it considers similar reform paths.

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.

This research paper by Ron Sandrey examines the comprehensive economic and trade policy reforms implemented in New Zealand starting in 1984. It details the transition from a highly regulated, subsidy-dependent economy—historically reliant on the United Kingdom—to one of the most open economies in the world, focusing specifically on the deregulation of agriculture and the reduction of border tariffs.

In a speech delivered on 23 March 2010, Lesetja Kganyago, Director General of the National Treasury, discusses the role of the South African rand and macroeconomic policy in driving economic competitiveness. He argues that while a depreciated exchange rate can support exports, it is not a 'silver bullet' and must be accompanied by low inflation, productivity growth, and microeconomic reforms to be effective.

This report summarizes an inception workshop held on 1-2 February 2011 by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM). The workshop examined the political economy of regional integration in Southern Africa, focusing on the challenges of overlapping memberships in regional economic communities (RECs), the influence of dominant member states, the role of external donors, and the impact of partnerships with the European Union and other emerging partners.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the Strategic Partnership between the European Union (EU) and South Africa, focusing on the second Heads of State meeting held in Cape Town on 11 September 2009. It examines the shift from a development-focused relationship to a high-level political alliance aimed at addressing global issues, trade, and regional stability in Africa.

This report details Austria's diplomatic, trade, and development relations with Africa, particularly in the context of its 2006 European Union Council presidency. It outlines Austria's strategic focus on North Africa via the European Neighbourhood Partnership, its limited trade with the continent compared to the EU, and its targeted development assistance in East and Southern Africa.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines Germany's evolving foreign policy and economic relations with Africa, with a specific focus on its 'strategic partnership' with South Africa. It details the transition from Cold War-era ideological instrumentalisation to a post-2000 policy of concentrated bilateral aid and partnerships for reform, while contextualising these efforts within Germany's own domestic economic challenges and its role within the European Union.

This report details Italy's foreign policy and diplomatic, economic, and security relations with Africa, with a specific focus on the Horn of Africa and bilateral ties with South Africa.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs details the foreign policy, economic status, and African engagements of the Netherlands, with a specific focus on its bilateral relationship with South Africa.