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This case study examines the challenges of pharmaceutical procurement and regulatory harmonisation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It highlights how fragmented registration policies, weak regulatory capacity, and intellectual property barriers hinder access to essential medicines for treating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and non-communicable diseases. The document emphasizes South Africa's pivotal role due to its advanced pharmaceutical sector and regulatory framework, while noting that political and economic interests often obstruct regional integration.

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.

The G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting Outcome Document and Chair's Summary, convened on 18 September 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, outlines a strategic framework to address global food insecurity and malnutrition. Under the South African Presidency's theme of 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability', the ministers identified four priority areas: inclusive market participation, empowerment of youth and women, innovation and technology, and climate resilience. The document emphasizes the role of multilateral trade, public-private partnerships, and the voluntary transfer of technology to transform global food systems.

This policy brief examines local skill development and knowledge transfer within Ghana's construction sector, specifically comparing the practices of Chinese enterprises against other foreign and local firms. Based on 2016 survey data from 12 enterprises and 240 employees, the study finds that Chinese firms contribute significantly to local job creation and skill development, challenging perceptions that they rely primarily on imported labor. The authors identify systemic challenges such as low technical education quality and high labor turnover, recommending stronger collaboration between the industry and vocational institutions, and the integration of training requirements into project contracts.

This research paper analyzes the macroeconomic policy responses of the government of Benin and the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) to the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary measures, the resulting economic impact on GDP and inflation, and the specific targeting of the agricultural and microfinance sectors to ensure food security and support the informal economy.

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 report summarizes a workshop hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) on June 23, 2009, regarding energy services within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The document outlines the challenges of liberalizing trade in energy services, the tension between universal electricity access and tariff levels for Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and the need for a regional integrated resource plan to reduce dependence on Western information and fossil fuels.

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 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.

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 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.

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 Okechukwu Ibeanu examines the relationship between think tanks and government funding, specifically focusing on whether financial dependence inhibits the ability of these institutions to critique public policy. Using Nigeria as a primary case study, the author analyzes the transition of think tanks from military to civilian rule and proposes a transactional framework to understand the variables that determine institutional independence.

This research paper by Shada Islam, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in May 2009, examines the European Union's (EU) use of 'strategic partnerships' to increase its global political influence. The author argues that while these agreements boost the EU's visibility, they often lack substance and are hindered by internal EU divisions, a reliance on 'soft power' over military capabilities, and diverging geostrategic interests with partners such as China and India.

This policy brief examines the role of emerging powers, specifically the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) forums, in the evolution of South–South co-operation. The author analyzes whether these alliances serve as genuine champions for the developing world or as self-serving entities pursuing global economic dominance. The document argues that for these forums to effectively challenge neo-liberal globalisation and benefit the most vulnerable regions, particularly Africa, they must move beyond political rhetoric toward inclusive, practical action plans and transparent mandates.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the potential for biofuel technology transfer from Brazil to South Africa and other African nations through the India–Brazil–South Africa (IBSA) Forum. It highlights Brazil's leadership in bioethanol and suggests that while biofuels offer a path toward climate change mitigation and rural development, South Africa must first establish a coherent national strategy that balances energy needs with food security and land reform.

The South African Durban Youth and Children’s Protocol is a statement negotiated and agreed upon by South African youth and children during the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 17) in November 2011. The document outlines recommendations for the global community, African peers, the South African national government, and youth themselves to address climate change and environmental sustainability.