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This research paper argues that large African states, with the exception of South Africa, are characterized by chronic instability, poor economic performance, and administrative failure. The author contends that the international community's adherence to territorial integrity and generic democratic prescriptions is ineffective for these complex states and proposes a new realism that prioritizes state-building over democracy and accepts the possibility of partition.

This research paper argues that the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) must transition from a consultative body that endorses executive decisions to an active oversight institution to improve governance and accountability across Africa.

This case study describes Thari ya Basadi, a group of women in Botswana who create beadwork, such as pins featuring the red AIDS ribbon and the Botswana flag, to generate income and combat the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

The author argues that the conflict in Darfur is not a genocide but a complex extension of Sudan's southern civil war, driven by political rifts within the government and opposition. The paper critiques the racialization of the conflict as 'Arab' versus 'African' and warns against US military intervention or punitive sanctions, advocating instead for the completion of the Naivasha peace process and the application of consistent international human rights standards across Africa and globally.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the evolving relationship between China and Africa. It argues that African nations must shift from an ideological 'liberation paradigm' to a pragmatic 'economic paradigm' to avoid Chinese dominance and ensure mutual benefit. The author suggests that Africa should leverage China's need for energy resources to secure technology transfer, local development projects, and fairer trade terms, while utilizing the China-Africa Co-operation Forum to coordinate a continent-wide strategy.

This case study examines the development of the Namibian table grape industry, initiated by entrepreneur Dusan Vasiljevic in 1988. It details how the industry leveraged Namibia's coastal climate to fill a seasonal gap in the European market, the role of government negotiations for EU market access, and the subsequent economic impact on the Karas and South Central regions.

This research paper argues that high taxes and tariffs imposed by governments in poor countries, particularly in Africa, create significant financial barriers to accessing life-saving medicines and medical supplies, undermining international aid and drug price reductions.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that international donor agencies and UN bodies are hindering malaria control in Africa by resisting the use of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and DDT in favor of less effective measures. The author contends that a 'vertical' health program approach, combining DDT-based IRS and Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), is the most effective strategy, citing successful implementations in South Africa and India.

NEPAD is experiencing a credibility crisis due to a failure to implement concrete projects despite its visionary goals. While the Secretariat views its role as a catalyst for regional and national action, leaders like Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade criticize the lack of realized projects. African Development Bank data confirms low implementation rates for infrastructure projects, while barriers such as regional capacity gaps, donor inconsistencies, and internal corruption are cited as primary obstacles.

This research paper examines the challenges of managing HIV/AIDS funding in poor communities, specifically focusing on the risk of graft and the lack of administrative capacity in grassroots organisations in South Africa and Kenya.

This research paper examines the challenges facing opposition politics and multiparty democracy in Africa, using the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in Zimbabwe as a primary example of the struggle against dominant ruling parties and state-led electoral interference.

This research paper examines the failure of service delivery in South Africa, specifically focusing on riots in the Free State province triggered by the 'bucket system' of sanitation. It argues that increasing financial resources is insufficient to alleviate poverty if the government lacks the administrative capacity, skilled personnel, and accountability mechanisms to implement projects.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs warns that Côte d'Ivoire is at risk of a genocide similar to Rwanda's due to deep-seated insecurities over national identity, economic control, and a political deadlock between President Laurent Gbagbo and rebel forces.

This case study examines El Salvador's transition from a 'banana republic' characterized by political instability and agricultural dependency to a more diversified, deregulated economy. It details the country's post-civil war reforms, economic strategies, and the remaining challenges it faces, offering lessons for other developing regions, specifically Africa.

A case study on the South African government's use of Asset Procurement and Operating Partnership Systems (APOPS) to establish two maximum security private prisons in Bloemfontein and Louis Trichardt.

A case study on a water concession involving the municipality and Siza, a company majority controlled by SAUR Services, highlighting the financial instability of the deal and the failure to meet sanitation targets in poorer areas.

A case study on the N4 toll road concession between South Africa and Mozambique, detailing the financing, risk management, and regional economic impacts of the project operated by Trans-African Concessions (TRAC).

This case study examines a 1995 power purchasing agreement between Tanzania's Tanesco and Independent Power Tanzania Limited (IPTL). The deal is presented as a failed Public-Private Partnership characterized by alleged corruption, excessive costs, and a lack of feasibility studies, resulting in the state paying for unnecessary generating capacity while facing a deficit in grid infrastructure.

This research paper argues that African countries, particularly within the SADC region, should adopt biotechnology and genetic modification to combat food insecurity and climate-change-induced droughts. The author contends that current regulatory stances in Africa are overly influenced by external pressures from the European Union and the Cartagena Protocol, leading to 'regulatory overkill' that may conflict with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and hinder the timely delivery of food relief.

This research paper examines the potential for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) and India, arguing that the agreement is likely to be 'commercially shallow' due to low non-gold trade volumes, competing industrial interests, and India's strategic prioritization of Asia.