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This policy brief examines the integration of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) into Africa, focusing on the shift from resource trade to infrastructure and industrial cooperation. It highlights the opportunities for regional integration and industrialization, while warning of the financial risks associated with debt-based lending and the need for African governments to ensure project viability and local capacity building.

This policy brief examines the impact of Chinese investments in Tanzania's plastic recycling industry and the subsequent effects of China's 2018 import ban on waste materials. It highlights how Chinese firms have facilitated technology transfer and local business growth, while also noting significant environmental and health risks and a potential decline in local waste sourcing due to the import of cleaner waste from Europe and the US.

This research paper analyzes the impact of Chinese Development Lending (CDL) and World Bank Development Lending (WBDL) on the participation of 35 African countries in global value chains (GVCs) between 2000 and 2018. The author finds that while Chinese loans increase the overall intensity of GVC participation—primarily through infrastructure investments in transport and communications—World Bank loans are more effective at helping countries move toward higher value-added, upstream positions in production networks due to their focus on social sectors like education and health.

This research paper examines the expanding diplomatic and economic relationship between China and Africa, highlighting a shift from aid-driven engagement to a commercial partnership dominated by trade and investment. While noting the potential for African economic growth and infrastructure development, the document also addresses concerns regarding debt sustainability, the impact of cheap imports on local industries, and the lack of transparency in Chinese lending.

A briefing detailing trade, investment, and aid statistics between China and African countries up to 2007, including specific figures for trade volume, foreign direct investment, and technical assistance projects.

This research paper by Elizabeth Sidiropoulos and Ross Herbert examines the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), a voluntary governance assessment tool launched by the African Union in 2002 under the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). The authors analyze the APRM's structure, its five-stage review process, and the varying degrees of civil society involvement in early participating countries, while highlighting the critical importance of publishing final reports to ensure government accountability.

This research paper analyzes the macroeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Senegal and evaluates the fiscal and monetary policy responses implemented to mitigate economic decline. It provides a historical overview of Senegal's economic crises and structural adjustments from the 1970s through 2019 to establish a baseline for the pandemic's effects.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines how developing countries have adapted their governance strategies within the World Trade Organization (WTO). It argues that an 'ideational shift' has occurred, where the South now views the WTO as a development and trade institution rather than purely a trade liberalization forum. The author highlights the rise of informal, issue-based coalitions as a rational response to power imbalances and negotiating constraints, enabling developing nations to pool resources and influence outcomes in the Doha negotiations.

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 research paper by Bill Bowen analyzes the political economy of Australia's unilateral trade and economic reforms from the 1970s through the early 2000s. It examines how the country transitioned from a highly protected 'fixed price country' to a competitive global economy, highlighting the roles of independent research bodies, political leadership, and social compensation mechanisms. The document is intended to provide lessons for South Africa as it considers similar reform paths.

This research paper analyzes Brazil's trade policy and reform, noting a significant increase in trade surpluses and productivity following liberalization in the 1990s. However, it argues that Brazil remains relatively closed compared to other BRIC nations and is hindered by the 'Brazil Cost' (bureaucracy and infrastructure deficits). The author contends that current trade policy is overly driven by geopolitical goals—such as seeking a UN Security Council seat—rather than commercial strategy, and calls for a more transparent, strategic, and less bureaucratic trade regime.

This research paper by Ron Sandrey examines the comprehensive economic and trade policy reforms implemented in New Zealand starting in 1984. It details the transition from a highly regulated, subsidy-dependent economy—historically reliant on the United Kingdom—to one of the most open economies in the world, focusing specifically on the deregulation of agriculture and the reduction of border tariffs.

This report summarizes an inception workshop held on 1-2 February 2011 by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM). The workshop examined the political economy of regional integration in Southern Africa, focusing on the challenges of overlapping memberships in regional economic communities (RECs), the influence of dominant member states, the role of external donors, and the impact of partnerships with the European Union and other emerging partners.

This report details Austria's diplomatic, trade, and development relations with Africa, particularly in the context of its 2006 European Union Council presidency. It outlines Austria's strategic focus on North Africa via the European Neighbourhood Partnership, its limited trade with the continent compared to the EU, and its targeted development assistance in East and Southern Africa.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines Germany's evolving foreign policy and economic relations with Africa, with a specific focus on its 'strategic partnership' with South Africa. It details the transition from Cold War-era ideological instrumentalisation to a post-2000 policy of concentrated bilateral aid and partnerships for reform, while contextualising these efforts within Germany's own domestic economic challenges and its role within the European Union.

This report details Italy's foreign policy and diplomatic, economic, and security relations with Africa, with a specific focus on the Horn of Africa and bilateral ties with South Africa.

This policy brief examines the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund (RDF) to address infrastructure financing gaps in Southern Africa. It argues that the region's infrastructure deficit is primarily caused by a lack of bankable projects due to failures in early-stage project preparation and a lack of national capacity, rather than a simple lack of overall funding. The authors recommend that the RDF prioritise seed funding for project definition, pre-feasibility, and capacity building, while leveraging existing structures like the SADC Project Preparation and Development Fund (PPDF) to ensure sustainability and regional ownership.

This policy brief analyzes the New Development Bank's (NDB) approach to the Use of Country Systems (UCS) for infrastructure financing. It examines how the NDB leverages the public financial management (PFM) and environmental and social frameworks (ESFs) of member states to increase efficiency, while providing recommendations to mitigate financial and reputational risks as the bank expands its membership.

This policy briefing by Cyril Prinsloo of the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the challenges and opportunities associated with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) increasing their Use of Country Systems (UCS)—specifically domestic public financial management (PFM) and environmental and social frameworks (ESFs)—in infrastructure financing for developing countries.