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This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines how mining projects in Africa can better contribute to sustainable development through strategic partnerships. It argues that mining-led growth is often hindered by a lack of cooperation between companies, governments, and NGOs, as well as a lack of long-term planning and regulatory capacity. The document advocates for the use of 'good practice' Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and the creation of shared infrastructure to maximize local economic and social benefits.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) argues for a re-invention of partnerships in Africa's extractive governance to drive inclusive and sustainable socio-economic transformation. It emphasizes the need for shared values, reciprocal responsibilities, and the alignment of national, regional, and continental visions—specifically the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Africa Mining Vision (AMV)—to move Africa beyond being a mere supplier of raw materials toward value-addition and beneficiation.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines South Africa's economic diplomacy toward Zimbabwe following the July 2013 elections. It argues that South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) prioritized security and political stability over economic concerns, leading to a decision to end regional monitoring of Zimbabwe despite a continuing economic crisis.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the historical evolution of Brazil's regional identity and its transition toward becoming a regional power. It argues that Brazil historically distinguished itself from 'Latin America'—which it viewed as synonymous with Spanish America—and has only recently shifted its foreign policy focus toward active engagement and leadership within South America.

This policy briefing examines South Africa's shifting relationship with the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine and the International Criminal Court (ICC). It argues that while South Africa initially championed human rights as the guiding light of its foreign policy following its democratic transition, it has since adopted a more pragmatic approach. This shift is characterized by suspicion toward initiatives perceived as advancing Western interests and a tension between maintaining continental solidarity within Africa and pursuing ambitions as an emerging global power.

This policy briefing examines the role and challenges of National Governing Councils (NGCs) within the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). Based on a February 2015 workshop, the document argues that while NGCs are essential for developing Country Self-Assessment Reports (CSAR) and National Programmes of Action (NPoAs), a lack of standardized guidelines regarding their composition, funding, and legal status hinders their effectiveness and independence from political interference.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines Botswana's need for economic diversification as diamond revenues decline. It evaluates the potential of coal and iron ore as intermediate revenue sources while arguing that long-term sustainable growth should be anchored in eco-tourism and investments in human and physical capital.

This policy briefing analyzes Ghana's readiness to manage upcoming commercial oil production, evaluating the potential for oil revenues to either strengthen or undermine the country's democratic institutions and economic stability. It emphasizes the need for legislative frameworks, economic diversification, and community consultation to avoid the 'resource curse'.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the status of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) as it attempts to transition from initial 'base' reviews to 'second-generation' periodic reviews. The author argues that while the APRM has successfully diagnosed governance problems across 17 countries, it has lost momentum and must now adapt its processes to improve efficiency, ensure the implementation of National Programmes of Action (NPoAs), and better utilize institutional memory.

This policy briefing, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs in October 2015, compares the Open Government Partnership (OGP) with other international peer-review mechanisms, including the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), the UN's Universal Periodic Review (UPR), and the OECD's Anti-Bribery Convention Review (OECDA). It argues that the OGP's flexible, civil-society-led approach offers unique benefits for transparency and governance, and suggests that African nations should seek OGP membership and harmonise it with existing review obligations.

This policy briefing analyzes the 'interwovenness' of the Frelimo party, the state, and the business sector in Mozambique. It argues that Frelimo has captured state power, creating a structural system of patronage and cronyism where public officials use their positions for private gain. Despite the existence of anti-corruption laws and institutions like the GCCC, the document highlights a lack of political will, limited transparency in the extractive industries and foreign investment, and a civil society that is geographically concentrated and diverted by donor priorities toward socio-economic issues rather than governance monitoring.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the gap between the African Union's (AU) normative commitments to democracy and human rights and the actual foreign policies of its member states. The author argues that strong sovereignty norms and a state-centric approach have hindered the domestication of human rights, leading to a state of 'stasis' or reversal in several countries. The brief recommends that the AU embrace global partnerships with civil society and that pivotal states like South Africa rejuvenate human rights as a core pillar of their external engagements to ensure continental stability.

This policy briefing examines the ecological importance and governance challenges of the Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania and Kenya. It highlights that approximately 70% of the original forest cover has been lost due to deforestation and degradation, driven largely by population growth and a heavy reliance on biomass for energy. Despite a comprehensive policy framework and significant donor funding—including REDD+ initiatives—the document argues that governance failures, lack of state funding, and poor enforcement of local by-laws have hindered conservation efforts.

This policy brief examines the role of emerging powers, specifically the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) forums, in the evolution of South–South co-operation. The author analyzes whether these alliances serve as genuine champions for the developing world or as self-serving entities pursuing global economic dominance. The document argues that for these forums to effectively challenge neo-liberal globalisation and benefit the most vulnerable regions, particularly Africa, they must move beyond political rhetoric toward inclusive, practical action plans and transparent mandates.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyzes the 2011 referendum in Southern Sudan and the mediation efforts led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki. It examines the potential post-referendum scenarios, the internal challenges facing Southern Sudan, and the broader implications for the African Union regarding colonial borders and secession.

This policy briefing argues that while gender equity is recognized in international and regional frameworks, women in Africa still face systemic social, economic, and political barriers that hinder their equitable participation in the 'restoration economy'—the economic activity related to ecological restoration. The author contends that empowering women requires a multi-dimensional approach involving action-oriented decision-making, systemic legal reforms, and improved financial inclusion to move women beyond roles as mere providers of labor to active entrepreneurs and decision-makers across the restoration value chain.

This policy briefing examines South Africa's role as the host and president of the 17th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 17) to the UNFCCC in November and December 2011. It analyzes the geopolitical challenges of the climate negotiations, South Africa's efforts to coordinate a common African voice, its participation in the BASIC alliance, and the necessity of aligning its domestic climate policies with its international leadership ambitions.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on South Africa, arguing that FDI does not automatically guarantee economic growth or job creation. The author suggests that the government should prioritize public investment in economic infrastructure and industrialization over the mere attraction of FDI, particularly in sectors like retail where large foreign entities may displace local businesses.

This 2012 policy brief examines the struggle of Chinese Economic and Trade Co-operation Zones (ETCZs) in Africa to become operational. Despite official targets and approvals in countries like Zambia, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, most zones remain underpopulated or non-functional, with Egypt being the primary exception. The author identifies failures on the Chinese side, such as top-down developer selection and cultural barriers, and on the African side, including poor offsite infrastructure and a lack of regulatory frameworks to ensure local economic spillovers. The brief notes that private Chinese industrial zones in South Africa and Botswana have fared better than these official state-backed initiatives.

This policy briefing analyzes the evolution of Brazilian foreign policy in the 21st century, specifically under President Luiz 'Lula' da Silva. It examines Brazil's efforts to balance its role as a regional leader in South America with its ambitions as a global player, emphasizing its commitment to multilateralism, the reform of international institutions, and the use of soft power to promote democratic governance.