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This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and UNDP examines the progress of African nations in implementing and monitoring Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. Based on a survey of 126 stakeholders across 38 countries and a review of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), the document highlights Africa's leadership in governance statistics and the challenges of funding and data accessibility, while showcasing innovative national practices in data sovereignty and multi-stakeholder engagement.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies argues that Guinea-Bissau requires a new constitution to resolve chronic political instability and institutional deadlocks. It identifies critical ambiguities in the current semi-presidential regime—specifically regarding the powers of the President and Prime Minister—and proposes reforms based on models from Portugal and Cape Verde to strengthen the rule of law and democratic stability.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the opportunities and constraints of transitioning to low-carbon energy in Africa, focusing on West Africa and Nigeria. It argues that while the continent has vast renewable potential, progress is hindered by fragmented governance, inadequate investment, and a lack of coordination between niche projects and national grids.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines electoral trends in Africa based on elections held in 2015 and early 2016. While noting progress in democratic institution building since the 1990s, the authors identify four critical trends—constitutional manipulation, electoral calendar tampering, harassment of opposition, and low voter turnout—that threaten to reverse democratic gains. The document advocates for stricter adherence to African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Community (REC) standards to ensure credible and inclusive elections.

The December 2016 Peace & Security Council Report by the Institute for Security Studies evaluates the African Union's (AU) role in managing continental crises. It finds that the Peace and Security Council (PSC) often relied on regional bodies rather than leading interventions. Key issues discussed include the impact of land privatisation and climate change in Kenya's Kajiado County, the contested nature of several 2016 national elections, and the AU's efforts to promote women's rights despite a perceived failure to challenge dictatorial regimes. The report also details the funding struggles of AMISOM in Somalia and the diplomatic complexities surrounding Morocco's request to rejoin the AU.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) discusses the October 2015 IMF Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the region's economic challenges and South Africa's specific vulnerabilities in growth, energy, and exports.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that South Africa should expand its foreign policy by reconceiving its engagement with Latin America and Africa as a unified 'South Atlantic Zone'. The authors suggest that this framework can enhance maritime security, promote the 'blue economy' through initiatives like Operation Phakisa, and increase trade and cultural ties among littoral states.

This research paper examines the strategic importance of the South Atlantic Zone for South Africa's foreign policy, arguing that treating the region as a single entity can bridge the divide between African and Latin American engagements. It highlights opportunities for cooperation in maritime security, the 'blue economy' through Operation Phakisa, and South-South economic and cultural collaboration, while noting that current trade levels remain low despite significant potential.

This report, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in 2015, examines the state of governance and accountability in Africa. It analyzes both continental frameworks, such as the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the African Peer Review Mechanism, and domestic institutions, including parliaments, courts, and ombudsman offices, to identify the drivers of democratic progress and the persistence of authoritarian tendencies.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies examines the potential socio-economic impacts of increasing investment in basic education across Africa. Using the International Futures (IFs) modelling system, the authors simulate a scenario where African nations adopt the enrolment and completion growth rates of the continent's best-performing countries. The analysis suggests that a modest increase in GDP allocation to education could lead to significant long-term gains in GDP, poverty reduction, and public health, although these benefits would be realized over several decades.

This policy briefing examines the role of Chinese state-owned and private financial institutions in Mozambique. It highlights the activities of the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank), the China Development Bank (CDB), and the Luso-Chinese fund Geocapital, noting that while these entities possess significant capital and political connections, they have struggled to attract substantial Chinese investment due to poor strategic planning and institutional capacity gaps within Mozambique.

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 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.

This research paper evaluates the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), highlighting its achievements in promoting governance and self-reflection among African states while warning of current crises regarding transparency, leadership integrity, and the marginalization of civil society.

This research paper by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) examines how development agencies can support national-level decision-making to foster low-emission, climate-resilient development. It identifies critical barriers to adaptation—including political leadership, technical knowledge, financial management, and accountability—and details UNDP's strategic approach to integrating climate change into broader national development and poverty reduction goals.

This policy briefing evaluates the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Forum six years after its 2003 launch. It argues that while the forum has a mixed record regarding commercial outcomes and market integration, it has successfully fostered political coordination and development cooperation. The author recommends that IBSA prioritize development efforts and the expansion of its development fund to distinguish itself from economic-centric groupings like BRIC.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the patterns, types, and social dynamics of Chinese migration to Africa. It distinguishes between temporary labor migrants, independent entrepreneurs, and transit migrants, while analyzing the socio-economic tensions and settlement patterns emerging across the continent, with a detailed case study on South Africa.

This research paper by Robert Mattes, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs, argues that representative public opinion surveys are essential for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to achieve a comprehensive national self-assessment. The author contrasts the limitations of 'participatory' public consultations with the precision of random probability sampling and provides a technical framework for conducting credible surveys in Africa, including sampling stages, cost estimates, and the necessity of avoiding 'head of household' bias.

This conclusion section of a research paper examines the complex role of remittances and diasporas in Africa South of the Sahara, highlighting the tension between their necessity for survival in impoverished states and the risks of criminal abuse and economic instability.

This research paper introduction by Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos examines the strategic role of modern African 'ethno-national' diasporas and their financial remittances in countries south of the Sahara. The author analyzes how these transfers contribute to sustainable development, poverty reduction, and debt servicing, while also noting the risks of money laundering and the complex political influence these networks exert on their home governments.