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This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs, authored by ZESN chairperson Dr Reginald Matchaba-Hove, argues that Zimbabwe's March 2005 parliamentary elections were not free and fair. Despite some improvements following the adoption of SADC democratic principles, the author identifies 13 dimensions of unfairness, ranging from a weak electoral commission and repressive legislation to discrepancies in vote counting and gerrymandering.

This research paper describes the severe economic collapse of Zimbabwe in early 2004, characterized by hyperinflation, high unemployment, and a breakdown of productive capacity. It examines the failure of emergency currency auctions introduced by the reserve bank to stabilize the economy amidst political instability and the collapse of the agricultural sector.

This research paper examines the role of transnational organised crime networks and 'middlemen' in fueling African conflicts through the illicit trade of weapons and natural resources. Using the case studies of Leonid Minin and Victor Bout, the document highlights the sophistication of these networks, their use of front companies and tax havens, and the systemic failures of international law enforcement and national legislation to prosecute sanctions-busting activities.

This research paper examines the relationship between governance, corruption, and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa, arguing that while good governance may not be the primary driver for short-term investment—particularly in resource-rich nations—it is essential for long-term economic stability and resource management.

This research paper argues that Africa is vulnerable to global Islamist terrorism and that the African Union (AU) has failed to implement its counter-terrorism frameworks. The author highlights the underfunding and understaffing of the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism in Algiers and proposes a practical, incremental strategy for building capacity based on the specific strengths of key states and regional organisations.

This research paper examines the crisis of road infrastructure decay across Africa, highlighting the gap between maintenance needs and available national budgets, the resulting economic losses, and various funding and management strategies being tested to address the deficit.

This report provides a state-by-state overview of scheduled and potential elections across several African nations in 2008, noting a general trend where incumbents face little threat from fragmented oppositions, though some countries are experiencing significant leadership transitions.

The document discusses the state of democracy and elections in Africa, arguing that the legitimacy of power must rest on the principle of universal suffrage rather than the historical legacy of liberation struggles.

This research paper examines the systemic advantages held by ruling parties in African electoral democracies, noting that incumbents often maintain power through state resource control, weak opposition structures, and the legacy of liberation movements.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs outlines a business-centric vision for Africa's economic development, arguing that the continent must prioritize political stability, basic infrastructure maintenance, access to credit, and the rule of law over large-scale projects or long-term social goals to achieve immediate growth.

The research paper examines the systemic failure of government communication and media relations across Africa, highlighting a persistent culture of suspicion, under-resourced public relations departments, and a lack of transparency among ruling parties, particularly those originating from liberation movements.

This research paper examines the intersection of poor governance and the presence of unemployed former combatants in Africa, using the foiled 2004 coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea as a case study to highlight the risks of mercenary activity and the inadequacy of current legal frameworks.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad) has failed to translate the identification of problems into actionable solutions. Based on dialogues with 56 business organisations and five studies, the text asserts that government priorities are misaligned with business needs, specifically regarding corruption and infrastructure, and argues that economic prosperity is a prerequisite for long-term political stability in Africa.

An editorial by the South African Institute of International Affairs discussing the necessity of fair land reform in Africa, contrasting the approach of Robert Mugabe with more systematic efforts in Kenya and South Africa, and emphasizing the need for technical and financial support for new farmers.

This research paper argues that the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) must transition from a consultative body that endorses executive decisions to an active oversight institution to improve governance and accountability across Africa.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the evolving relationship between China and Africa. It argues that African nations must shift from an ideological 'liberation paradigm' to a pragmatic 'economic paradigm' to avoid Chinese dominance and ensure mutual benefit. The author suggests that Africa should leverage China's need for energy resources to secure technology transfer, local development projects, and fairer trade terms, while utilizing the China-Africa Co-operation Forum to coordinate a continent-wide strategy.

This case study examines the development of the Namibian table grape industry, initiated by entrepreneur Dusan Vasiljevic in 1988. It details how the industry leveraged Namibia's coastal climate to fill a seasonal gap in the European market, the role of government negotiations for EU market access, and the subsequent economic impact on the Karas and South Central regions.

This research paper argues that high taxes and tariffs imposed by governments in poor countries, particularly in Africa, create significant financial barriers to accessing life-saving medicines and medical supplies, undermining international aid and drug price reductions.

NEPAD is experiencing a credibility crisis due to a failure to implement concrete projects despite its visionary goals. While the Secretariat views its role as a catalyst for regional and national action, leaders like Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade criticize the lack of realized projects. African Development Bank data confirms low implementation rates for infrastructure projects, while barriers such as regional capacity gaps, donor inconsistencies, and internal corruption are cited as primary obstacles.

This research paper examines the challenges facing opposition politics and multiparty democracy in Africa, using the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in Zimbabwe as a primary example of the struggle against dominant ruling parties and state-led electoral interference.