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This fact sheet describes the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and its Schools Development Programme, specifically the Global Classrooms initiative in Johannesburg. The programme uses Model United Nations (MUN) simulations to teach secondary school students research, diplomacy, and international affairs, aiming to address skills shortages in these disciplines at the tertiary level.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs assesses the institutional capacity and strategic alignment of the South African Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). It examines the gap between the department's ambitious foreign policy goals—particularly the 'African Agenda'—and its operational realities, including significant personnel shortages, high vacancy rates, and a lack of detailed performance reporting.

This policy brief examines the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund (RDF) to address infrastructure financing gaps in Southern Africa. It argues that the region's infrastructure deficit is primarily caused by a lack of bankable projects due to failures in early-stage project preparation and a lack of national capacity, rather than a simple lack of overall funding. The authors recommend that the RDF prioritise seed funding for project definition, pre-feasibility, and capacity building, while leveraging existing structures like the SADC Project Preparation and Development Fund (PPDF) to ensure sustainability and regional ownership.

This policy brief analyzes the New Development Bank's (NDB) approach to the Use of Country Systems (UCS) for infrastructure financing. It examines how the NDB leverages the public financial management (PFM) and environmental and social frameworks (ESFs) of member states to increase efficiency, while providing recommendations to mitigate financial and reputational risks as the bank expands its membership.

This policy briefing by Cyril Prinsloo of the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the challenges and opportunities associated with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) increasing their Use of Country Systems (UCS)—specifically domestic public financial management (PFM) and environmental and social frameworks (ESFs)—in infrastructure financing for developing countries.

This research paper by Mzukisi Qobo examines the global and domestic landscape of beneficial ownership transparency, focusing on the implementation of G20 High-Level Principles. It analyzes the challenges faced by South Africa and other African nations in curbing illicit financial flows (IFFs), money laundering, and corruption, while reviewing the regulatory approaches of several G20 member states.

This research paper examines the trade reform of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), focusing on the challenges and opportunities for regional integration among its member states. Through eight case studies of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland (BLNS), the paper identifies significant regulatory, infrastructure, and systemic barriers that hinder the development of cross-border value chains. It argues that the current SACU structure is dominated by South Africa and that a regional development fund could be a critical tool to finance infrastructure and reforms necessary to deepen economic integration and alleviate poverty.

This research paper analyzes the dynamics of South African foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade within Africa from 2006 to 2018. It finds that while South Africa remains a dominant intra-African investor, its relative influence is declining due to increased competition from global actors, particularly China, and other African nations. The paper highlights South Africa's role as a regional distribution hub and suggests policy shifts toward deeper trade liberalization and better public-private collaboration to maintain its economic footprint.

This policy briefing evaluates the feasibility of establishing a regional stabilisation fund for the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) to counter revenue volatility. The author argues that such a fund is inappropriate due to the differing sources and scales of revenue volatility among member states and a lack of historical precedent for regional stabilisation funds. Instead, the document recommends revising the SACU revenue-sharing formula and implementing country-level fiscal instruments.

This research paper assesses the feasibility of establishing a regional stabilisation fund for the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) to counter revenue volatility. The author concludes that a regional fund is inappropriate and infeasible because member states experience different degrees of volatility driven by different revenue sources. Instead, the paper recommends that member states focus on revising the SACU revenue-sharing formula or implementing country-level fiscal tools such as medium-term expenditure frameworks and fiscal rules.

This June 2011 report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) provides a civil society perspective on the implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in South Africa. It evaluates progress against the Country Review Report (CRR) and National Programme of Action (NPoA) across eight governance themes, including the justice system, party-state relations, and service delivery. The report generally finds that while some legislative progress has been made, implementation is often lacking, and there is a significant disconnect between official government reporting and the experiences of civil society.

This fact sheet from the South African Institute of International Affairs outlines the 'key certainties' and 'key uncertainties' regarding the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Southern Africa, highlighting trends in urbanisation, energy costs, and climate vulnerability.

A keynote speech delivered by Chen Xiaodong, China's Ambassador-designate to South Africa, on October 13, 2020, detailing the evolution of China-Africa cooperation. The speech emphasizes a transition toward market-driven trade, digital economy integration, and infrastructure development, while addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategic importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This report chapter provides a set of recommendations for mine-affected countries and donors in Southern Africa to ensure sustainable commitment, national capacity building, and the integration of mine action into broader development strategies.

A budget vote speech delivered by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, to the National Assembly on 31 May 2011. The speech outlines South Africa's foreign policy priorities, its role in regional and global governance, and the operational goals of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

This research paper by Professor Ahmed Mohiddin examines the tendency of executive branches to dominate governance structures in Africa. It analyzes the systemic reasons for this dominance, the capacity failures of legislatures and judiciaries, and the role of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and civil society in establishing effective checks and balances.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes bilateral trade between Ethiopia and the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) from 1995 to 2012. It finds that while trade has increased significantly, particularly with China and India, the relationship remains a typical 'North-South' pattern where Ethiopia exports primary products and imports manufactured goods and machinery.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the trade relations between Nigeria and the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). The study analyzes trade intensity, complementarity, and the resulting impact on Nigeria's GDP, concluding that while Nigeria maintains trade surpluses with several BRICS members, its exports are heavily concentrated in crude oil, and its economic growth is significantly influenced by imports from China and exports to South Africa.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the intersection between the G-20's global economic governance agenda and the development priorities of Africa, specifically as outlined in the African Union's Agenda 2063. It evaluates progress since 2010 in areas such as infrastructure financing and regional integration, noting that while the G-20 has mainstreamed development issues, African representation remains limited to South Africa as a permanent member.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes the revival of Côte d’Ivoire’s regional diplomacy under President Alassane Ouattara. After a period of decline following the death of Félix Houphouët-Boigny in 1993 and subsequent civil crises, the country is seeking to regain its status as a leading political and economic actor in West Africa through a policy of 'good neighbourliness' and strategic engagement with regional organizations and global powers.