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This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies discusses the status of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BTWC) in Africa during the Seventh Review Conference in December 2011. It advocates for the universalisation of the treaty across the continent, the strengthening of the BTWC's Implementation Support Unit (ISU), and the alignment of the convention with Africa's specific developmental and public health needs.

This workshop report, compiled by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the SADC Gender Alliance, documents a seminar held in November 2010 in Pretoria, South Africa. The event focused on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, examining the gendered dimensions of peace, security, and peacekeeping across Southern and East Africa.

This 2011 workshop report by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) evaluates the ten-year implementation of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) Code of Conduct. The document details the challenges of institutionalising ethical policing standards across Southern Africa, presents monitoring indicators developed by the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF), and provides country-specific case studies on police reform and human rights compliance.

This report, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), examines the concept and application of "best practices" within the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It analyzes 12 Country Review Reports (CRRs) to identify indigenous governance solutions and argues that a lack of conceptual clarity regarding what constitutes a "best practice" hinders the APRM's ability to facilitate peer learning and sustainable reform across the continent.

This policy brief by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) examines how developing countries can plan Climate Compatible Development (CCD) by balancing domestic priorities with the requirements of international funding and accountability frameworks. Drawing on lessons from the Rio Conventions and Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) processes, the document provides recommendations for multi-stakeholder engagement, evidence-based planning, integrated policy frameworks, and effective monitoring and evaluation to ensure that climate adaptation and low emissions development (LED) are successfully institutionalized.

This report by Friends of the Earth International argues that Jatropha is neither a profitable nor a sustainable investment for biofuel production. It challenges the 'miracle crop' narrative, providing evidence that the plant requires significant inputs to be viable, often competes with food production, and leads to the displacement of local communities and the destruction of biodiversity.

This executive summary by Friends of the Earth International argues that large-scale jatropha plantations are neither economically viable nor sustainable, contradicting claims by investment companies that the crop is a solution for the energy crisis, climate change, and poverty.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) details a scenario-planning exercise conducted in May 2010 to explore the future of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The authors identify key certainties and uncertainties—such as the impact of the global financial crisis and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations—to project four potential futures for the organization, ranging from deeper integration to total collapse.

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 summarizes a February 2010 roundtable discussion hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) regarding the progress and future prospects of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). The discussion, featuring representatives from the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the APRM Secretariat, and civil society, evaluates the mechanism's achievements in promoting governance and accountability across Africa while identifying systemic failures in implementation, funding, and leadership.

This policy briefing examines the impact of emerging market investors—specifically the BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India, and China)—on the African business landscape and the resulting challenges and opportunities for South African companies and their continental ambitions.

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 examines the relationship between protected areas (PAs) and conflict, arguing that conservation interventions are inherently political and can either exacerbate or mitigate tensions. The authors propose the adoption of Peace and Conflict Impact Assessments (PCIAs)—tools used in the humanitarian and development sectors—to ensure that Transboundary Protected Areas (TBPAs) contribute to peacebuilding and adhere to 'do no harm' principles, particularly in conflict-prone regions.

This 2010 report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines the tensions between South Africa's reliance on coal for energy security and its commitments to climate change mitigation. It analyzes the dominance of the state utility Eskom, the challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, and the potential for regional energy cooperation within Southern Africa to diversify the electricity supply mix.

This workshop report, compiled by the Institute for Security Studies, documents a three-day conference held in March 2010 in Pretoria, South Africa. The event brought together regional experts, academics, and security practitioners to analyze the challenges of democratic security sector governance (SSG) and security sector reform (SSR) across Southern Africa, with specific case studies on the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Botswana.

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 research paper examines how national governments can engage the private sector to support climate change adaptation. It argues that private sector participation depends on a strong business case for long-term resiliency and suggests that governments must identify specific business sectors and align public and private interests to promote the public good while discouraging activities that harm vulnerable populations.

This situation report by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the progress of Zimbabwe's Inclusive Government (IG) following the September 2008 Global Political Agreement (GPA). It examines the political violence and economic collapse that led to the power-sharing deal, the structural weaknesses of the GPA, and the ongoing tensions between ZANU-PF and the MDC factions.

This case study describes how coordinated civil society actions across Southern Africa successfully blocked a shipment of weapons destined for Zimbabwe following controversial elections.

This report chapter examines the nature and extent of crime in Zambia, highlighting systemic issues in the criminal justice system, pervasive corruption in public institutions, and the challenges of combating drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal migration.