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This report assesses progress toward the human development Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) between 2000 and 2005, focusing on the challenges of scaling up skilled providers, ensuring sustained financing, and improving governance to translate resources into effective service delivery in health, education, water, and sanitation.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes Chile's economic and political transition from a military dictatorship (1973–1989) to a stable democracy. It highlights how Chile combined liberal market reforms with progressive social policies and pragmatic leadership to achieve high GDP growth and human development, offering these as potential lessons for African nations seeking to improve economic growth and reduce poverty.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the development of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Brazil, focusing on the role of SEBRAE as a model for public-private partnership. It contrasts the Brazilian approach—which emphasizes logistical support, training, and clear categorization over direct financing—with the strategies used in South Africa and Lesotho.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the evolution of corporate governance in South Africa, focusing on the influence of the King Reports and the country's role as a model for other African nations. It details the transition from a closed, racially-exclusive economy to a liberalised market with sophisticated governance codes, while highlighting ongoing challenges in enforcement capacity and the complexities of black economic empowerment.

This research paper argues that the United Nations 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 the MDGs act as a 'political camouflage' that diverts resources away from growth-oriented investments. To address this, the paper proposes a comprehensive set of 'African Millennium Growth Goals' focused on commercial infrastructure, rural economy investment, technical skills, financial reform, and the removal of bureaucratic and corrupt obstacles to business.

This research paper analyzes the internal dynamics of the Zanu (PF) party in Zimbabwe, focusing on the challenges of leadership succession and the significance of Joyce Mujuru's appointment as vice-president within a patriarchal society and a party dominated by the Karanga clan.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs evaluates the potential for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and Mercosur. It argues that while static economic gains from tariff reduction are limited and may reinforce South Africa's reliance on primary product exports, significant dynamic opportunities exist through intra-industry specialization, institutional collaboration, and the disciplining of dominant domestic firms to benefit downstream manufacturing.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes India's approach to international trade, arguing that its reluctance to enter binding trade agreements is rooted in a domestic political culture of self-sufficiency and a government-driven (rather than business-driven) policymaking process. The author examines how these internal dynamics and the lack of institutional capacity may result in a 'commercially shallow' free trade agreement (FTA) between India and South Africa, prioritizing political alliances over economic integration.

This research paper examines the tension between the RPF government's public commitment to national unity in post-genocide Rwanda and its internal practice of political coercion. While acknowledging the RPF's achievements in stability and repatriation, the author details the systematic silencing of opposition figures, the lack of judicial independence, and the use of 'divisive' labels to criminalize dissent.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes the challenges facing the European Union (EU) following its expansion to 25 members on 1 May 2004. The author, Erik Jones, examines the institutional, political, and financial pressures resulting from enlargement, specifically focusing on decision-making, diversity, and the redistribution of resources.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes how the expansion of the European Union (EU) from 15 to 25 members affects South Africa's trade strategy. It examines the internal dynamics of the EU, specifically regarding agricultural policy and budgetary pressures, and provides strategic recommendations for South Africa's engagement with the WTO, the US, and regional African integration.

This research paper evaluates the potential of the Africa Commission, established by UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, to influence African development. The author argues that while the commission is complementary to the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad), it must move beyond general economic liberalisation and 'enabling environments' to create specific, investor-driven strategies and tangible successes to attract the private investment necessary for growth.

The research paper critiques the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad), arguing that it has remained a forum for discussion and 'soft tools of persuasion' rather than a driver of tangible policy change. It highlights the failure of the 2002 Kananaskis G8 summit to secure increased aid and criticizes Nepad's general sectoral strategies and reliance on weak regional bodies. The author concludes that Nepad must pivot toward becoming a research-driven think-tank, focusing its limited resources on the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to enforce rigorous governance standards.

This research paper examines the role and effectiveness of the Zimbabwean parliament for opposition parties, specifically the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), ahead of the 2005 parliamentary elections. It weighs the benefits of parliament as a site for open debate and accountability against a repressive legislative environment and a constitution that favors the ruling Zanu-PF party.

This research paper examines the motivations, impacts, and competitiveness of South African business investment across Africa, while discussing the potential and pitfalls of regulating such investment behavior to address regional sensitivities and corruption.

The document outlines a panel's recommendations for enhancing African agriculture through science, technology, institutional development, and policy reform to improve food security and income.

This report describes a research project funded by the Danish government that interviewed twenty-two South African companies in 2004 to analyze their experiences doing business in Nigeria, aiming to develop policy recommendations for a sustainable business environment in Africa.

The research paper examines the formation and early challenges of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum, a partnership aimed at increasing the influence of developing nations in global economic and security governance.

This research paper examines why Zimbabwe has not experienced a total state collapse despite severe economic crisis, hyperinflation, and international sanctions under the leadership of President Robert Mugabe.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs evaluates the impact of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on South African agricultural exports to the US. It argues that while AGOA has facilitated growth in specific niche agricultural products and clothing, its overall impact is limited by pre-existing low tariffs, complex rules of origin, and significant non-tariff barriers such as US agricultural subsidies and restrictive standards.