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The research paper argues that the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are insufficient for developing Africa because they focus on the symptoms of poverty rather than the underlying causes of economic stagnation. The author contends that by prioritizing measurable social targets over growth and productivity, the MDGs create an opportunity cost that diverts resources from essential commercial infrastructure, technical skills, and governance reforms. To address these gaps, the document proposes a set of 'African Millennium Growth Goals' focused on infrastructure, rural economies, skills, financial systems, and the rule of law.

This research paper critiques the Red Door initiative in South Africa's Western Cape province, arguing that political pressure to claim success has led to the funding of a superficial training programme that prioritizes quantity of participants over actual job creation and business viability.

This briefing documents a December 2005 seminar in Maputo regarding a country report on the strength of parliamentary democracy in Mozambique. The text records a debate between researchers and members of parliament (MPs) from the Frelimo and Renamo-EU parties, as well as civil society representatives, focusing on the parliament's capacity for representation, legislation, and executive oversight.

This research paper analyzes the political decline of Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki following a failed constitutional referendum. It details how Kibaki transitioned from a reformist leader in 2002 to a figure accused of reviving ethnic cronyism, nepotism, and corruption, while failing to honor pre-election agreements and constitutional promises.

This briefing by Hubert Kabungulu Ngoy-K. analyzes the evolution of political trends and power dynamics in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1990 to 2005. The author argues that Congolese political parties generally lack genuine ideology or social projects, instead operating through ephemeral alliances, 'cartellization,' and interests based on ethnicity, region, or personal gain.

This research paper examines the potential for European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) to disrupt regional economic integration in Southern Africa, specifically within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The authors argue that the requirement for 'reciprocity'—where ACP states remove tariffs on EU imports—risks fracturing regional blocs because member states often have incompatible lists of sensitive products they wish to protect. The paper specifically analyzes the tension between the existing Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA) between the EU and South Africa and the needs of the BLNS countries (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland), suggesting that SACU expansion could be a strategic alternative to mitigate these stresses.

This inaugural address by the National Director of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) argues that Africa's development depends on internal accountability, leadership, and a shift away from aid-dependency. The author highlights the rise of China and India as shifting global power dynamics and urges African states to implement industrial strategies to avoid a new 'scramble' for raw materials. The speech emphasizes the role of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the need for a vibrant civil society to hold governments accountable.

The document provides a brief overview of a report by John Makumbe regarding the improvement of civil society's engagement with parliament and the role of the opposition in Zimbabwe.

This conference report, prepared by Masiiwa Rusare of the Trade & Development Studies Centre (TRADES Centre), documents a regional meeting held in September 2005 in Harare, Zimbabwe. The event focused on the experiences of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) in negotiating Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the European Union (EU). The report details the institutional structures of the negotiations, areas of convergence and divergence between the two regional blocs and the EU, the specific interests of South Africa, and the challenges of integrating non-state actors and the poor into the trade process.

This research paper analyzes the challenges facing the SADC-EPA group in negotiating Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the European Union, focusing on the complexities of multiple membership in regional trade blocs and the impact of the Trade and Development Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) between South Africa and the European Community.

This research paper examines how social stigma and cultural taboos act as primary barriers to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in Botswana and South Africa, arguing that financial resources alone are insufficient to combat the pandemic if fear of discrimination prevents people from seeking testing and care.

This research paper examines the impact of European Union (EU) sugar subsidy reforms and World Trade Organisation (WTO) rulings on African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) sugar-producing countries. It argues that while developed-country subsidies distort global trade, the rapid removal of preferential access threatens the livelihoods of vulnerable farmers and requires more substantial adjustment assistance and a phased transition to ensure sustainable development.

This excerpt from a country report on Swaziland describes the political polarization of Swazi society and the apprehension of interviewees regarding the use of their information by the state.

A research paper discussing China's economic growth and poverty alleviation efforts, specifically highlighting the disparity between the developed eastern seaboard and the lagging western regions, with a case study on Ningxia province.

This briefing summarizes a half-day conference convened by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) on 12 May 2005. The event aimed to discuss the prospects for Zimbabwe leading up to the 2008 presidential election, featuring perspectives from the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), civil society, and South African parliamentarians. The document outlines systemic democratic deficits in Zimbabwe, critiques the conduct of the 2005 parliamentary elections, and proposes regional and internal reforms to resolve the political crisis.

This report provides the first research on the transitional parliament of the Democratic Republic of Congo, examining its role in preventing a return to full-scale war amidst ongoing violent conflicts in the east of the country.

This research paper analyzes the political and ethnic crisis in Côte d’Ivoire as of 2005, tracing the conflict from the death of President Felix Houphoüet-Boigny in 1993 to the subsequent civil war and failed peace accords. The author argues that the crisis is rooted in a 'politics of exclusion' and ethnic division, suggesting that an interim government and internationally supervised elections are necessary because the primary political actors have acted in bad faith.

This report summarizes a workshop hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) from 22-23 March 2005, which examined the links between conflict, civil wars, and organised crime in Africa. The conference brought together 30 participants from government, security, judicial services, and civil society from six African nations to discuss the origins of organised crime, the role of state dysfunction, and the impact of economic factors and natural resources on conflict.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates the implementation of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Africa, analyzing their potential to address infrastructure and service backlogs. Through eight case studies across sectors including transport, telecommunications, water, power, and eco-tourism, the document argues that while PPPs can offer efficiency gains and fiscal benefits, they are not a 'magic bullet' and are susceptible to the same failures as full privatisation, such as corruption, poor pricing, and lack of transparency. The report provides a comprehensive set of recommendations for African governments to improve regulatory frameworks, conduct thorough feasibility studies, and build institutional capacity to ensure PPPs deliver value for money and social benefit.

This report, based on a 2004 conference hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs, examines the impacts of the Trade, Development, and Co-operation Agreement (TDCA) between South Africa and the European Union. It analyzes the TDCA as a potential benchmark for Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) being negotiated between the EU and other Southern African states, while highlighting the systemic challenges posed by overlapping regional memberships (the 'Spaghetti Bowl') and the legal complexities of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).