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This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the architecture of extractive governance in Africa, focusing on the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) and the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC). It argues that for these African-led initiatives to succeed, they must integrate ground-level research, avoid duplication of efforts, and leverage the experience of existing global and multilateral frameworks.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the relationship between mineral resource dependence and development in Africa, using South Africa as a primary case study. It argues that the 'resource curse' is not deterministic and that the quality of development depends on the strength and nature of a country's institutions, which mediate political incentives and determine whether mineral wealth leads to inclusive growth or adverse governance outcomes.

An open letter from a coalition of social movements, NGOs, and activists to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, urging a revision of the official definition of 'forests' to better reflect the biological diversity and the needs of forest-dependent communities.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies presents three plausible scenarios for South Africa's economic and political trajectory up to 2030: 'Bafana Bafana' (continued underachievement), 'Mandela Magic' (high growth and vision), and 'Nation Divided' (political instability and populist decline). Using the International Futures forecasting system, the author analyzes how leadership choices, particularly within the African National Congress (ANC) and its alliance with COSATU, will impact GDP, employment, and social stability.

This research paper examines the state of transport infrastructure in central and northern Mozambique, focusing on how foreign investment in the mining and energy sectors is driving infrastructure development. The authors analyze whether these projects, often led by foreign companies due to limited state capacity, foster national development and regional integration or primarily serve resource extraction.

This executive summary distills the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report for African decision-makers, highlighting that Africa is already experiencing warming (0.5–2°C) and shifting rainfall patterns. It emphasizes that human activity is the dominant cause of this warming and warns of severe risks to food security, health, and economic growth, particularly in climate-sensitive primary sectors. The report advocates for integrated adaptation and mitigation strategies, noting that while further warming is inevitable in the coming decades, immediate adaptation can reduce risks and provide development benefits.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs provides three primary recommendations for Dr Tax, the new Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), focusing on the implementation of existing commitments, improved private sector engagement, and increased transparency of regional processes.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes Mozambique's foreign policy from independence in 1975 through 2013. It argues that Mozambique has employed a strategy of 'pragmatic non-alignment' to secure external support for national development, evolving through three distinct phases: the liberation and civil war period, a phase of post-conflict consolidation and 'normalisation', and a current era focused on attracting foreign direct investment following the discovery of vast coal and gas reserves.

This policy brief by the Institute for Security Studies evaluates population projections for South Africa up to 2050, comparing the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 with simulations from the International Futures (IFs) model. The analysis highlights significant discrepancies in population forecasts, primarily driven by differing assumptions regarding international migration, and explores the impact of fertility and mortality trends, including the role of antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) in increasing life expectancy.

This research paper examines the prevalence and impact of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It argues that while tariff liberalisation has progressed, NTBs—particularly those resulting from poor design and implementation—significantly constrain regional trade and undermine the benefits of the SADC Free Trade Area. The author uses evidence from private sector entities like Shoprite and Woolworths to illustrate the high costs of administrative compliance and border delays, and proposes the creation of a coordinated action plan and a 'naming and shaming' mechanism to accelerate the removal of these barriers.

This case study examines the establishment and impact of Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) in Southern Africa, analyzing how these regional public goods facilitate regional integration through the cooperation of member states, NGOs, and the private sector.

This case study examines the development of the Regional Electricity Market (REM) within the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), an association of national utilities from Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states. It analyzes the transition from a cooperative pool to a competitive market, the role of Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and the challenges posed by diverse national agendas and infrastructure deficits.

This case study examines the political economy of the sugar sector within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), highlighting the role of private-public partnerships, regional trade agreements, and the challenges posed by a distorted global market. It details the production capacities of member states and the mechanisms used to manage regional trade and protect producers from international dumping.

This briefing examines the economic and strategic relationship between South Africa and the European Union (EU) ahead of the 2013 EU-SA Summit, focusing on job creation, foreign direct investment (FDI), and regional integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The National Chairman's Annual Statement of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), delivered on 27 March 2013, analyzes South Africa's strategic position within a multipolar world. It discusses the role of the BRICS forum, the necessity of strengthening ties with other African regional powers, and the impact of domestic instability and military casualties in the Central African Republic on South Africa's global prestige and soft power.

This report examines the socio-economic challenges facing Mozambique, specifically focusing on the critical shortage of skilled labor and the constraints imposed by restrictive foreign labor regulations. It argues that Mozambique could accelerate its development by adopting a more liberal regional approach to skills transfer and professional migration, leveraging its position within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

This policy brief examines the intersection of transport and environment in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting critical issues such as rising urban air pollution, high road fatality rates, and traffic congestion. It argues that current transport policies often favor automobiles over the needs of poor and vulnerable populations and calls for an integrated approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve equity through strategies like the 'avoid, shift, improve' framework.

This case study examines the investment incentive landscape for renewable energy in Zambia as of December 2012. It details the country's energy sector structure, the resource potential for various renewable technologies, and the specific financial and fiscal incentives provided by the government to attract private investment, while noting a lack of transparency regarding the costs of these incentives.

This research paper examines the application of the 'complementarity' principle in Africa, arguing that a broader, 'positive' understanding of the concept—where domestic courts, regional bodies, and civil society actively fill impunity gaps—is essential for the success of international criminal justice on the continent.

A briefing on the territorial dispute between Malawi and Tanzania over Lake Malawi, focusing on the disagreement regarding the mediation process and the structural limitations of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in resolving such conflicts.