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This research paper argues that South Africa's current skills planning system is inadequate for the emerging green hydrogen economy (GHE) due to a reliance on quantitative data and a lack of anticipatory capacity. The author advocates for the integration of strategic foresight (SF) and skills foresight (SF) into the post-school education and training (PSET) system, specifically within technical vocational education and training (TVET). The paper proposes four priority areas: strengthening skills anticipation systems, enhancing TVET sector responsiveness, developing transversal skills, and fostering a renewed education-related social compact to bridge the gap between TVET and universities.

This policy briefing examines the role of skills governance within South Africa's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem to support the emerging green hydrogen (GH2) economy. It advocates for a shift from a jobs-centric education model to one based on 'economic wellbeing,' which integrates paid work with caregiving, environmental stewardship, and state infrastructure. The document proposes systemic innovations, including the use of green economy skills incubator hubs, innovative financing like social impact bonds, and the implementation of a Universal Basic Dividend (UBD) to ensure the wealth generated from common resources in the GH2 transition is equitably distributed.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the governance challenges facing critical mineral supply chains in Africa. It argues that while the global energy transition increases demand for minerals like lithium and cobalt, a lack of transparency and accountability risks causing environmental and socio-economic harm. The document advocates for the implementation of the African Mining Vision and a coordinated approach between national governments, private companies, and civil society to ensure the energy transition does not entrench global inequalities.

This executive summary outlines the findings of a survey comparing foreign policy perspectives between Germany and the IBSA countries (India, Brazil, and South Africa). It highlights divergent views on the war in Ukraine, the dominance of the US dollar, and the role of BRICS+, while identifying shared hopes for the G20 and a mutual desire for UN Security Council reform.

The African Union's Agenda 2063 aims for a progressive customs, monetary, and fiscal union. While the AfCFTA has seen initial tariff offers, long-term goals require harmonizing external tariffs, converging diverse exchange rate regimes toward a common reference currency like the XDR, and implementing countercyclical fiscal rules to manage debt and commodity-driven revenue volatility.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs provides a framework for South Africa's energy transition by 2050, advocating for a shift from growth-centric economic models toward 'Regenerative Prosperity' and sustainable resource management.

This policy briefing outlines recommendations to address youth unemployment in Uganda, based on the 'Youth and Social Justice Futures: Identifying Future Skills and Training in Africa' project. The project utilized Youth Futures Literacy Labs and the Three Horizons Framework to engage youth and stakeholders in imagining alternative futures. Key strategic priorities include combating corruption, modernizing the agricultural sector, and reforming the education system to align with 21st-century labor market needs.

This policy brief provides a comparative analysis of macroeconomic resilience in Benin and Togo from 2000 to 2020, examining how each country responded to endogenous (national) and exogenous (regional/global) shocks. The analysis highlights differences in fiscal and monetary policy responses, noting that Benin's economy has been more volatile due to global integration, while Togo's has been more shielded by phosphate exports but hampered by governance crises.

This policy brief, produced as part of the 'Youth and Social Justice Futures: Identifying Future Skills and Training in Africa' project, outlines strategic recommendations for Malawi to improve youth empowerment, education, mental health, and disaster resilience. The document is based on participatory action research using Futures Literacy Labs and the Three Horizons Framework, incorporating the perspectives of Malawian youth to envision inclusive and resilient future pathways.

The policy brief examines how the G20 can better support Africa's tax agenda to finance Sustainable Development Goals. While progress was made under the Indian and Indonesian presidencies regarding the Two-Pillar Solution and BEPS, African countries still struggle with low tax-to-GDP ratios (16%) and high revenue losses from tax avoidance. The document recommends that the African Union use its new permanent G20 seat to advocate for a higher global minimum tax, increased digitalization of tax administrations, a global carbon taxation system, and progressive tax policies to fund social protection for the 85.8% of the African workforce in the informal sector.

This policy brief, produced by the South African Institute of International Affairs as part of the 'Youth and Social Justice Futures' project, outlines strategic priorities to empower Tanzanian youth. Based on foresight workshops using Youth Futures Literacy Labs and the Three Horizons Framework, the document advocates for technological integration, unrestricted access to information, and comprehensive employment policy reforms to address challenges such as educational exclusion, outdated curricula, and limited youth representation in decision-making.

This policy brief, produced by the South African Institute of International Affairs as part of the 'Youth and Social Justice Futures' project, advocates for the integration of Zambian youth into the nation's socio-economic development. Based on workshops using Futures Literacy Labs and the Three Horizon Framework, the document identifies critical gaps in youth employment, political representation, education, and technological access. It proposes four strategic priorities: increasing youth representation in civic and public institutions, enhancing climate-resilient agriculture through agri-tech, reforming education to prioritize practical skills and entrepreneurship, and ensuring equitable internet connectivity.

This research paper examines the implications of the expired 123 Agreement between the US and South Africa, the operational status of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant, and South Africa's broader nuclear energy strategy, including a new plan to procure 2500 MW of additional nuclear power.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the role of the G20 in supporting Africa's energy transition and climate financing. It critiques the Indonesian and Indian G20 presidencies for failing to address Africa's specific needs, noting a significant gap between the continent's climate funding requirements and actual inflows. The document proposes a strategic agenda for the upcoming Brazilian and South African presidencies, focusing on increasing the flow and quality of climate finance, reforming debt treatments, and enhancing participation in carbon markets.

This policy brief from the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the rising public debt burden in Africa, the complexities of its current composition, and the necessary reforms to the global financial architecture. It argues that while the G20 has established mechanisms like the Common Framework and the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), these are insufficient. The document proposes that the African Union (AU), as a new permanent member of the G20, should advocate for an African Credit Rating Agency, an African Debt Monitoring Mechanism, and a more inclusive debt restructuring process that includes private creditors and provides longer repayment periods.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the role of the G20 in supporting industrialisation in Africa. It argues that while industrialisation is essential for improving living standards and creating youth employment, recent G20 summits in 2022 and 2023 lacked a central focus on this goal. The document outlines a policy framework for structural transformation and recommends that future G20 presidencies adopt a cohesive strategy to bolster Africa's manufacturing sector, agricultural productivity, and digital infrastructure.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the intersection of global renewable energy goals and South Africa's socio-economic challenges, arguing that a 'Just Energy Transition' requires radical socio-economic transformation, energy democracy, and decentralized governance.

This research paper examines the complex regulatory challenges posed by social media platforms and their dual capacity to both support and undermine democratic processes globally.

This policy brief examines the safety and security risks at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) during the Russian invasion of Ukraine and evaluates the international legal frameworks designed to protect nuclear installations during armed conflict.

This research paper outlines the strategic positioning of African countries and institutions ahead of COP28 in Dubai, emphasizing the role of the Nairobi Declaration and the African Union's Climate Change and Resilient Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032) in driving the regional climate agenda.