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This research paper examines the marginalisation of the environmental sector in Uganda, highlighting the disconnect between the economic reliance of the rural population on natural resources and the lack of budgetary support for their preservation. It details the rapid loss of forests and wetlands, the drivers of deforestation, and the resulting social conflicts arising from 'degazetting' protected lands for industrial and agricultural use.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the energy-based relationship between India and Africa. It analyzes India's strategic need to diversify its energy imports away from the Middle East and its efforts to build a sustainable, development-oriented partnership with African nations that moves beyond simple resource extraction to include capacity building and renewable energy cooperation.

This research paper by Ruchita Beri for the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the evolution of India's relations with African nations. It analyzes the transition from an early policy based on ideological support for decolonization and non-alignment to a more pragmatic approach centered on economic diplomacy, energy security, and capacity building. The document details trade growth, diverse investment patterns across various sectors, and technical cooperation initiatives, while discussing the geopolitical drivers and challenges India faces in its engagement with the continent.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the evolving partnership between India and Africa, focusing on the strategic role of energy security. It argues that while energy is a primary driver of closer ties, the relationship is multi-dimensional, encompassing trade, defence, and capacity building. The authors analyze India's efforts to diversify its energy imports to reduce dependence on West Asia, the competitive yet non-antagonistic dynamics between India and China in Africa, and the necessity of good governance to avoid the 'resource curse'.

This research paper examines the role of Uganda in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), highlighting the tension between peacekeeping efforts and allegations of ulterior motives related to oil and mineral resources. It specifically discusses the controversy surrounding Saracen Security, a company owned by the brother of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, and the potential for these activities to undermine the legitimacy of AMISOM and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG).

This research paper analyzes the geopolitical and economic complexities surrounding the potential independence of Southern Sudan following its 2011 referendum. It highlights the critical interdependence between Juba and Khartoum, particularly regarding oil infrastructure, border demarcation, and regional stability in the Nile Basin.

This report summarizes a roundtable seminar hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) on January 13, 2011, regarding the political implications of the Southern Sudan referendum. The discussion focused on the interdependence of Northern and Southern Sudan, specifically concerning oil revenues, water resources in the Nile basin, and the challenges of state-building and border security.

The APRM Monitoring and Advocacy Template (AMAT) Pilot Guide provides a methodological framework for civil society and other organisations to track the implementation of National Programmes of Action (NPoAs) within the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). The guide outlines a five-stage process—desk research, interviews, analysis, priority identification, and recommendation development—designed to evaluate the status of the APRM in a country and advocate for improved governance and implementation.

This research paper examines South Africa's expected formal admission into the BRICs grouping in April 2011. The author questions the strategic motivation and economic utility of this membership, arguing that the BRICs lack a formal political or economic structure and that South Africa's economic goals can be better pursued through bilateral relations and a broader South-South strategy.

This research paper examines the establishment of the JinFei Economic and Trade Co-operation Zone (ETCZ) in Mauritius. It analyzes how the Mauritian government successfully attracted Chinese investment despite lacking the natural resources or large market size typically targeted by Chinese ETCZs in Africa, positioning the island as a strategic business platform between Asia and Africa.

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 research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the economic relationship between China and Zambia, focusing on debt sustainability, development assistance, and trade. It argues that while China provides critical financing and investment opportunities, the lack of transparency, weak regulatory frameworks in Zambia, and the extractive nature of the trade relationship pose significant risks to sustainable development.

In a 2010 speech to the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), Minister Maite Nkoana‐Mashabane outlines South Africa's strategic approach to the rise of emerging global powers. She emphasizes the importance of South-South cooperation, the role of alliances like BRIC and IBSA in reforming global governance, and the necessity of integrating Africa into the global economy through infrastructure, industry, and intra-trade.

This 2010 research paper analyzes the opportunities and challenges for South Africa to engage in international carbon trading to meet emissions targets. While South Africa is a leading African participant in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), it remains underrepresented globally compared to countries like China and India. The authors argue that while a local carbon market could stimulate green investment and jobs, success depends on regulatory certainty, financial support from developed nations, and a shift away from coal dependence.

This statement, delivered on October 6, 2010, outlines India's energy security strategy, highlighting the critical imbalance between growing energy demand and limited indigenous supply. It details India's reliance on imports, particularly for oil and gas, and its efforts to diversify sources through equity investments in Africa and the Middle East. The document discusses the role of coal as a primary energy source, the potential of nuclear and renewable energy, and the significant infrastructure investments required to sustain economic growth.

This research paper examines the tension between South Africa's developmental goals and its climate change commitments, highlighting the country's heavy reliance on coal for electricity and the challenges of transitioning to a lower-carbon economy while addressing poverty and energy shortages.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the crisis facing the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) as it celebrates its centenary. The author analyzes how Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations with the European Union and a shrinking revenue pool have threatened the organization's stability, potentially leading to its downgrade from a customs union to a free trade area. The paper combines general analysis with questionnaire results from policymakers in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola to explore the divergent interests of member states regarding revenue sharing, industrial policy, and regional integration.

This report documents a workshop held on August 31, 2010, regarding the impact of global financial reforms—specifically the G20's push for Basel III—on trade in financial services within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The discussions highlight the dominance of South Africa as a net exporter of financial services in the region and the potential for new regulatory barriers to emerge as South Africa implements global standards, which may reduce funding for riskier African prospects and infrastructure projects.

This research paper examines the concept of 'exceptionalism' in China's foreign policy toward Africa, analyzing the gap between Beijing's official rhetoric of mutual respect and non-interference and the practical challenges of implementing these principles amidst growing economic interests and the autonomy of sub-state actors.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines how Australia used transparency to successfully implement trade liberalisation and economic reform starting in 1983. It argues that transparency—defined as political honesty and the use of independent, evidence-based reporting—is essential for overcoming public and sectoral resistance to the short-term costs of trade reform. The document recommends that South Africa establish a body of independent experts, similar to Australia's Productivity Commission, to determine the benefits of reform and engage the public and media to build a coalition for change.