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The document examines the debate over global value chains (GVCs) and their impact on developing countries, focusing on the tension between liberalising 'facilitative' approaches and state-led 'coercive' industrial strategies. It identifies three primary constraints to SME participation in GVCs: transaction costs (tariffs, logistics, trade finance), network infrastructure (ICT, energy, transport), and capacity (firm standards and institutional quality). The authors argue that while market access policies remain controversial, there is a broad consensus on the need for horizontal support measures. The paper recommends that South Africa and other African nations prioritise these horizontal enablers and focus on medium-sized companies with realistic growth potential rather than the smallest informal enterprises.

The study evaluates the South Africa–DRC development partnership, finding that South Africa is a significant partner in absolute financial terms and relative to its gross national income. While the partnership aligns with SSC values of national ownership and non-conditionality, it suffers from fragmented coordination, weak monitoring and evaluation systems, and a lack of clear strategic intent from the South African side.

The document analyzes Namibia's shift from a liberal FDI regime toward one with more state regulation via the New Investment Bill, which introduces performance requirements and reserves certain activities for citizens. It argues that while mandatory requirements may work in the extractives sector, incentives are more effective for non-resource sectors to avoid deterring investors. The paper also explores the potential for a regional investment framework within SADC and SACU and highlights how FDI from China, Germany, and South Africa is critical to expanding the Port of Walvis Bay and its associated transport corridors.

The policy brief examines how domestic xenophobia contradicts South Africa's 'diplomacy of ubuntu' and its aspirations for African leadership. It highlights specific incidents of violence and government failures, suggesting that South Africa must address the root causes of intolerance domestically and regionalise its policy responses to reclaim its international standing.

The East African region has discovered vast oil and gas reserves, but social and economic benefits remain unrealised due to regulatory disputes, infrastructure hurdles, and poor governance. Uganda has opted for a pipeline route through Tanzania over Kenya due to cost and security concerns. Mozambique faces severe financial instability and debt crises that threaten its LNG projects. Across the region, a lack of transparency and limited civil liberties hinder the effective implementation of accountability frameworks like the EITI.

The 2016 SAIIA Young Leaders Declaration outlines specific demands from South African youth to integrate global sustainability goals into national governance. It calls for increased accountability, educational reform, improved basic services, and economic opportunities, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy, climate adaptation, and social equity.

The document examines the economic ties between South Africa and the UK, highlighting that the UK accounts for 3.7% of South Africa's global trade but a significant portion of its direct and portfolio investments. It analyzes three Brexit scenarios—a 'clean break', joining the EEA/EFTA, or negotiating new deals—and notes that a Brexit would remove the UK from the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement. The author warns that while bilateral investments might remain stable, global financial volatility could restrict South Africa's access to financing from British banks, given that British lenders' claims on South African entities are 178% of the country's foreign currency reserves.

The document identifies a critical gap between the education provided to African youth and the requirements of the workforce, noting a need for more scientific and technological training. It highlights how socio-economic exclusion and underemployment contribute to drug abuse, gangsterism, and political conflict. While noting that states cannot address these issues alone, the paper emphasizes the potential of youth entrepreneurship and activism as assets for the future, recommending partnerships with non-governmental bodies.

This research paper explores the potential for establishing regional automotive value chains within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) by drawing lessons from the ASEAN Industrial Cooperation (AICO) scheme. It analyzes the current state of the automotive sector in Southern Africa, the barriers to integration, and potential strategies for enhancing regional competitiveness.

The report examines African election trends in 2016, noting that while multi-party elections are now standard, many processes are undermined by 'constitutional coups', the removal of term limits, and electoral irregularities. It details specific cases of instability and incumbent persistence in countries like the Central African Republic, Uganda, and the Republic of Congo, while contrasting these with more stable prospects in South Africa and Ghana.

The paper examines the dynamics of intra-Commonwealth value chains, noting that trade is dominated by mineral fuels, machinery, and manufactured goods. It highlights that while larger markets rely more on domestic intermediates, Small Island Developing States show a higher propensity to export to other Commonwealth members. The findings suggest that firms with at least 10% foreign ownership are more likely to export and that customs regulations are less of a barrier for intra-Commonwealth trade.

The document outlines systemic obstacles to Tanzania's agricultural potential, including poor infrastructure, credit shortages, and unclear land laws. It notes that domestic agro-processing struggles to compete with higher-quality imports from South Africa and Kenya. To improve, the document argues for better synergy between government departments and a nuanced approach to public-private partnerships that prioritizes food security, environmental protection, and transparent contracting for smallholder farmers.

The document outlines a study on the participation of South Africa and the SACU region in global value chains (GVCs), identifying them as a mechanism for expanding non-commodity exports and increasing manufacturing value addition. It proposes policy interventions focused on improving trade and transport infrastructure, reducing cross-border barriers, closing technical skills gaps, and enhancing regional institutional coordination to create a 'factory Southern Africa'.

The document examines the role of value chains in Southern Africa, noting that the region accounts for 40% of Africa's GVC participation. It highlights the importance of RVCs as entry points for smaller countries and emphasizes the need for harmonized non-tariff measures and firm-level data to enhance regional integration.

The case study compares international and regional foreign direct investment in Lesotho's apparel industry, finding that regional investment from South Africa offers greater potential for sustainable development and production relocation compared to the rent-seeking, labor-exploiting nature of Taiwanese investment focused on US market access via AGOTS.

The document examines the challenges and opportunities for local and regional firms in the construction of rail infrastructure for coal exploitation in Tete, Mozambique. It finds that lead firms typically prefer multinational corporations, which hinders local capacity building, and suggests that the Mozambican government should partner with South African firms to develop civil construction capabilities and training facilities.

The research examines the effects of privatised copper mine ownership and foreign investment from China and India on Zambia's upstream supply chain, highlighting challenges such as poor capital access and stiff competition, while noting that Chinese OEMs are displacing established suppliers through advantageous credit terms.

The report analyzes the growth of supermarket chains in Southern Africa, noting a shift from South African dominance to the expansion of other SADC chains like Botswana's Choppies. It identifies drivers such as urbanization and centralized procurement, while highlighting barriers like logistics for perishable goods and local content policies.

The report analyzes the maize value chain in the SADC region, emphasizing the need for coherent regional policies and improved governance structures between actors. It identifies critical gaps in infrastructure and finance, recommending the establishment of warehouse networks and receipt systems in Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique, alongside the promotion of yellow maize for animal feed and the adoption of GM certified seeds.

The maize value chain in Tanzania is characterized by fragmentation and inefficiency, primarily driven by small-scale farmers operating under rain-fed conditions. Significant constraints—including land tenure uncertainty, limited finance, and poor infrastructure—discourage investment despite growing domestic and regional demand. The document argues for a jointly developed National Maize Development Strategy between public and private sectors to foster a positive business environment and encourage 'Green Growth' options.