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This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 50 years after independence, focusing on the challenges of territorial consolidation, resource governance, and the transition of UN peacekeeping operations.

This research paper analyzes the economic opportunities and systemic risks associated with South Africa's strategic partnership with Russia following a state visit by President Zuma. While Russia offers significant potential as a global economic power, the author highlights severe barriers to entry for South African businesses, including high corruption, state dominance in strategic sectors, and a poor regulatory environment.

This research paper summarizes a Critical Thinking Forum co-hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) and the Mail & Guardian in March 2010. The forum examined the interlinkages between South Africa's exchange rate, trade, and industrial policies, specifically debating whether currency intervention could boost export competitiveness in the wake of the 2008–10 global financial crisis.

This research paper explores the complexities of resource governance in Africa, examining how the extraction of minerals and oil often triggers conflict driven by greed and grievance. The author argues for a transition from violent political struggle to a discourse of cooperation and the creation of transparent institutional structures to ensure that resource wealth benefits local communities and national development rather than fueling instability.

This communiqué summarizes the outcomes of a conference held in Kampala, Uganda, on July 20-21, 2010, focused on strengthening the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). Participants, including civil society and government representatives, identified critical areas for improvement to ensure the mechanism's relevance and effectiveness in promoting democracy and good governance across Africa.

This policy briefing examines the economic relationship between China and Nigeria, focusing on existing business interests and the potential for expanded Chinese investment in the Nigerian banking sector.

This policy briefing examines how the entry of Chinese investors into Zambia's mining sector, characterized by different operational standards and close ties to the presidency, challenges the effectiveness of the country's regulatory framework, which relies heavily on self-reporting and consensus.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that Zimbabwe is not currently prepared for new elections due to a lack of political will, financial constraints, and the failure to implement the Global Political Agreement (GPA). The author contends that holding polls without a new constitution and revamped state institutions could lead to violence and undermine the legitimacy of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

This research paper examines the existential challenges facing the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) as it marks its centenary. The author argues that the organization's survival depends on resolving internal dissonance regarding its revenue-sharing formula and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations with the European Union, while proposing a regional development fund to reduce the smaller member states' fiscal dependence on South Africa.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) details a scenario-planning exercise conducted in May 2010 to explore the future of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The authors identify key certainties and uncertainties—such as the impact of the global financial crisis and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations—to project four potential futures for the organization, ranging from deeper integration to total collapse.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the state of the multilateral trading system following the 2008–10 global financial crisis. It argues that a multilateral impasse is likely to persist due to a lack of leadership from the US and China, suggesting that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) must shift toward plurilateral agreements to remain relevant. The author highlights the specific challenges for South Africa, which faces a 'negotiating stretch' as it attempts to represent broader African interests while managing its own role as an emerging middle power.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the evolving relationship between China and Nigeria, specifically focusing on the Nigerian banking sector's regulatory reforms and the potential for increased Chinese investment in the financial industry to complement existing economic ties in oil, infrastructure, and agriculture.

This policy briefing analyzes how the Lisbon Treaty, which entered into force on 1 December 2009, affects the European Union's (EU) relations with Africa. The author argues that while the Treaty streamlines EU internal processes and foreign policy, Africa is likely to command less attention as the EU prioritizes its own internal financial crises, the Western Balkans, and strategic partnerships with other emerging powers. The document suggests that African leaders should diversify their economic and development partnerships beyond the EU to reduce aid and trade dependence.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs evaluates the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), arguing that despite criticisms regarding its ability to hold heads of state accountable, the system has successfully institutionalized governance monitoring, spurred national reforms, and promoted peer learning across the continent.

This research paper examines the economic impact of the 2010 European airspace closure caused by the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland on African trade. It highlights the vulnerability of agricultural exports—specifically perishables like flowers—and argues that the crisis serves as a wake-up call for African nations to diversify their export destinations beyond Europe to include South-South trade partners like Brazil, India, and China.

This research paper examines the role of defence cooperation within the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) framework, focusing on the strategic position and military capabilities of South Africa relative to its partners.

This research paper compares infrastructure aid in Mali from the World Bank, the European Commission, and China. It finds that while traditional donors impose higher short-term transaction costs through strict evaluation and reporting, Chinese aid is perceived as having lower short-term risk but higher long-term uncertainty. The study highlights how 'tied aid' restrictions on contractors hinder multi-donor coordination and notes that in stable countries like Mali, Chinese aid tends to complement rather than replace traditional OECD aid.

This research paper summarizes a February 2010 roundtable discussion hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) regarding the progress and future prospects of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). The discussion, featuring representatives from the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the APRM Secretariat, and civil society, evaluates the mechanism's achievements in promoting governance and accountability across Africa while identifying systemic failures in implementation, funding, and leadership.

The document details the debate over currency intervention in South Africa. Supporters argue that a weaker rand is essential for manufacturing competitiveness and job preservation, while opponents argue that the country lacks the reserves for such intervention and that a stronger rand lowers inflation, reduces financing costs, and encourages necessary structural reforms in industry.

This report documents the proceedings of a Critical Thinking Forum hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) on March 23, 2010. The forum brought together economists, government officials, and industry representatives to debate the relationship between South Africa's exchange rate, trade policy, and industrial strategy, specifically addressing whether the government should intervene to weaken the rand to boost export competitiveness.