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This executive summary details research by the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED) and the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) into the soap, detergent, and cosmetics value chains of South Africa and Zambia. The document compares the industrial maturity and competitiveness of both nations, identifies barriers to growth for small and local firms, and proposes strategic interventions to increase regional production and reduce import reliance.

This research paper examines agro-processing value chains across five SADC countries—South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mauritius—to propose policies for regional industrialization and climate change adaptation, with a specific focus on the sugar and soya sectors.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs outlines the objectives and expected outcomes of the 4th Session of the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA-4). The session focuses on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, aiming to address unsustainable consumption and production patterns to support the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

This research paper examines the determinants of household cooking cultures in urban Lusaka, Zambia, identifying a mismatch between how households and sector experts perceive the drivers of energy transitions.

This report analyzes local procurement policies (LCPs) in the mining sector, examining how governments can increase the purchase of goods and services from domestic suppliers to foster industrial development and economic diversification. It details various ways to define "local"—through geography, value addition, or ownership—and evaluates demand-side and supply-side policy instruments, ranging from mandated percentages and targeted lists to supplier development programs and access to finance. The document emphasizes that LCPs are most effective when supported by a conducive business climate, reliable data, and complementary capacity-building measures for local firms.

This IISD report presents the results of a 2018 online survey of 72 respondents from 54 developing countries regarding their investment treaty negotiation processes. It examines trends in treaty renegotiation, the impact of investment disputes, the use of model treaties, ratification procedures, and the specific government agencies involved in leading and supporting these negotiations.

This report documents a workshop held in August 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa, hosted by the SADC Secretariat and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). The meeting focused on defining and implementing 'facilitating investment for sustainable development' for SADC member states, distinguishing this approach from traditional investment facilitation and trade facilitation.

This executive summary report, produced by WWF South Africa in collaboration with IIASA, assesses the current and future potential for sustainable aviation biofuel feedstock production in sub-Saharan Africa. Using a systems analysis approach and RSB sustainability criteria, the study identifies 'REMAIN' land—areas not required for food security or environmental conservation—and evaluates the technical potential of various feedstocks to meet a minimum 60% greenhouse gas (GHG) savings criterion. The report concludes that while significant technical potential exists, it is likely to decrease by 2050 due to population growth, food demand, and climate change.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines the distribution of power and influence within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It argues that while South Africa remains the dominant economic and military power, the region would benefit from decentralising responsibilities by identifying 'regional champions' or 'locomotives' to drive specific sectoral priorities outlined in the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP).

This research paper examines the intersection of gender, culture, and energy transitions in rural Africa, specifically analyzing the Mpanta solar mini-grid in northern Zambia through the Energy Cultures Framework to demonstrate how socio-cultural norms affect the distribution of benefits from modern energy services.

This research paper examines the political economy of border economies in the SADC region, focusing on the Beitbridge and Chirundu border posts. It analyzes the causes of 'standing time' (truck delays) and the tensions between trade facilitation efforts and the sustainability of local border economies, providing policy recommendations to improve driver wellbeing, support small-scale traders, and diversify border town economies.

This policy briefing examines the potential for developing a domestic sunflower value chain in Malawi, identifying bottlenecks in production and processing while highlighting opportunities for industrial growth and diversification from traditional crops.

This case study by FSD Africa examines the remittance landscape in Uganda, identifying it as a net recipient of remittances with significant inflows from the UK, South Sudan, and Rwanda. While the market is advanced, it faces high costs, significant informality, and regulatory hurdles, particularly regarding mobile money and KYC requirements.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines policies and strategies used by governments to promote direct local employment in the mining sector. It outlines a five-step process for developing local employment policies and categorizes interventions into regulatory 'stick'-based approaches and facilitative 'carrot'-based incentives. The document emphasizes the importance of matching labour supply with industry demand, promoting gender equity and Indigenous participation, and preparing for technological shifts such as automation.

This fact sheet examines the role of insurance and alternative risk financing in building financial resilience against climate change. It details the growing 'protection gap'—the difference between total economic losses and insured losses—and explores emerging tools such as catastrophe bonds, microinsurance, and sovereign risk pools designed to manage the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the state of regional economic development within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It analyzes the decline in intra-regional trade and investment since 2013, the persisting overdependence on primary commodities, and the structural, infrastructural, and political-economic barriers hindering deeper integration. The document evaluates current initiatives, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), while providing case studies on sector diversification in Mozambique, the macadamia nut regional value chain, and transport infrastructure in Tanzania and Namibia.

This policy brief by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) outlines sector-specific strategies to drive employment creation in South Africa through structural transformation. It identifies the decline of manufacturing—which fell from 21% of GDP in 1994 to 13% in 2016—as a critical issue and proposes targeted interventions in the metals, machinery and equipment, agriculture and agro-processing, and plastics conversion sectors to reverse deindustrialisation and leverage regional and global demand.

This briefing by the South African Institute for International Affairs (SAIIA) synthesizes four years of research on the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI), trade liberalisation, and regional integration (RI) within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It examines the FDI regimes of several member states and specific sectors, such as energy and transport, to identify barriers to broad-based economic development and the creation of regional value chains.

This guide by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides a strategic framework for governments to design and implement local content policies in the mining sector. It outlines a four-step process—aligning with national objectives, taking stock of capabilities, crafting specific policies, and establishing monitoring mechanisms—to ensure mining investments contribute to sustainable, inclusive economic development and diversification.

This research paper examines the adoption of electricity services from a 60 kW solar mini-grid in Mpanta, Zambia, using service design approaches to identify barriers to household energy transitions.