Search Climate Insights Directory

This policy briefing evaluates the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in the context of the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the African Governance Architecture (AGA). While acknowledging the APRM's role in facilitating public debate on governance and its potential as a diagnostic tool, the authors argue that the mechanism has lost momentum due to inadequate political will, chronic funding shortages, and administrative instability. The document recommends a comprehensive revitalization of the APRM, including financial reforms, the appointment of a permanent CEO, and a shift in focus toward the implementation of National Programmes of Action (NPoAs).

This policy brief examines South Africa's two terms as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in 2007–2008 and 2011–2012. It focuses on South Africa's efforts to strengthen the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) by formalising institutional links between the UNSC and the African Union (AU), advocating for predictable financial resources, and promoting the role of regional organisations in security management under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter.

This policy brief analyzes Turkey's 2015 G-20 presidency, focusing on its priorities of inclusiveness, investment, and implementation, and their implications for Africa and low-income developing countries (LIDCs). The authors argue that while Turkey has expanded its diplomatic and economic engagement with Africa through a 'bottom-up' approach, the G-20's institutional framework remains problematic due to the underrepresentation of African nations and a disconnect between its finance and development tracks.

The document argues that South Africa is legally obligated by its own domestic legislation to uphold the Rome Statute, despite political pressures from the African Union. It critiques the ICC for perceived bias and double standards while simultaneously criticizing the Malabo Protocol for exempting heads of state from the jurisdiction of a proposed African court, thereby perpetuating impunity for political elites.

This briefing from the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the intersection of food safety, health security, and human security in Southern Africa. It argues that food insecurity and reliance on unsafe food sources strain already constrained health systems and hinder socioeconomic development, calling for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to increase agricultural capacity and reduce dependence on food exports and aid.

The policy brief argues that the deadlock in global climate finance is caused by a lack of predictability. It suggests that Africa, through the African Group of Negotiators (AGN), can break this deadlock by demonstrating the credible and effective use of existing funds and by promoting 'win-win' solutions that combine climate adaptation with low-carbon development. The author recommends moving away from unreliable budget support toward off-budget and market-driven financial solutions to ensure sustained funding.

This policy briefing examines how Rwanda has successfully accessed and managed climate finance, highlighting the role of its national strategies, inclusive local needs assessments, and the establishment of a dedicated climate fund (FONERWA) to strengthen project development and institutional capacity.

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 policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the conflict between extractive industries and the conservation of Protected Areas (PAs) and World Heritage (WH) sites in Africa. It argues for the strict enforcement of 'no-go zones' in WH sites and the implementation of rigorous biodiversity management standards for mining in other PAs to prevent irreversible ecological damage.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates the infrastructure and effectiveness of foreign direct investment (FDI) promotion in South Africa. It examines the decentralised system of provincial investment promotion agencies (IPAs) and their relationship with the national agency, Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA). The author argues for increased strategic oversight by TISA to reduce inter-provincial competition and improve the quality and sustainability of FDI inflows, particularly in the context of the Promotion and Protection of Investment Bill of 2013.

This policy briefing examines the role of the African Union (AU) Panel of the Wise (PoW) in employing preventive diplomacy to mitigate electoral-related conflicts in Africa. It analyzes the tension between prioritizing 'peace' over electoral legitimacy and evaluates the effectiveness of the PoW's interventions based on the timing of action and the structural nature of the conflicts involved.

The SAIIA Youth Policy Committee issued a statement condemning xenophobia in South Africa, calling for national unity, government intervention to stop violence, and a national discussion to address the root causes of the attacks.

This research paper by Isaac Nkama examines how Zambia's educational and political strategies under Kenneth Kaunda pre-empted xenophobia, contrasting these efforts with the recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa. The author argues that South Africa lacks a long-term strategic intervention and a curriculum that teaches citizens about the support other African nations provided during the struggle against apartheid.

This policy brief examines South Africa's Promotion and Protection of Investment Bill of 2013 (PPIB), analyzing how it shifts the country's approach to foreign direct investment (FDI) by prioritizing national development and sovereign regulatory rights over traditional international investment treaty protections.

This fact sheet from the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) defines foreign direct investment (FDI), outlines its types and general economic impacts, and details the evolution of South Africa's economic strategies and approach to attracting and regulating inward FDI.

This research paper analyzes the factors leading to the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 Nigerian elections, while outlining the security, economic, and governance priorities for the incoming administration.

This research paper examines the role of judicial independence within the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), arguing that the judiciary's contribution to good political governance is understated and marginalized in the mechanism's assessment reports.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the G-20 and OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project from an African perspective. It analyzes the causes of Africa's low tax base, the impact of illicit financial flows and tax incentives, and provides recommendations for African nations to better influence global tax standards to ensure sustainable domestic revenue mobilization.

This draft report documents the January 28, 2015, launch meeting of the South African chapter of the Network of Southern Think Tanks (NeST), co-hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and Oxfam. The meeting brought together over 40 stakeholders to discuss South Africa's approach to South-South cooperation (SSC) and development partnerships in Africa. The report outlines the goals of NeST South Africa, analyzes the specific paradigm of South African development assistance, identifies systemic challenges in coordination and data management, and discusses the pending establishment of the South African Development Partnership Agency (SADPA).

This research paper analyzes the 2015 South African budget, arguing that the proposed fiscal consolidation and austerity measures may be insufficient to stabilize the country's rising public debt and maintain market confidence.