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This research paper examines the diverging demographic trajectories of China and Africa from the early 2020s, analyzing how China's population decline and aging process contrast with Africa's population growth and lower per capita income levels. It suggests that China's long-term planning for demographic change provides a reference point for African economic development and influences how Chinese companies may seek growth opportunities within Africa.

This policy brief outlines six key actions to better integrate Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) holders into marine spatial planning (MSP) in South Africa. Based on a collaborative effort in Algoa Bay, the document argues that current ocean governance often neglects ILK and cultural heritage, recommending co-development of plans, increased transparency, improved data accessibility, and legislative alignment between the MSP Act and the Indigenous Knowledge Act.

In a speech delivered at the South African Institute of International Affairs on 26 April 2023, President Sauli Niinistö of Finland addresses the intersection of global crises, including climate change, food insecurity, and the war in Ukraine. He emphasizes the necessity of international cooperation, the importance of a fair climate transition for Africa, and Finland's decision to join NATO in response to Russian aggression.

This policy brief argues for the inclusion of the African Union in the G20 to address the exclusion of 96% of Africa's population and to promote values of fairness, respect, care, and honesty.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) evaluates the 20-year history of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). It details the mechanism's evolution from its 2003 inception to its current status as an AU-incorporated body with 43 member states, while highlighting systemic failures in implementation, slow review throughput, and the limited impact of its recommendations on overall continental governance.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that increasing climate change literacy across Africa is essential for moving from reactive coping mechanisms to transformative adaptation. It highlights significant gaps in public understanding of the human causes of climate change, particularly among women and rural populations, and advocates for the integration of climate literacy into education and national development agendas to build climate-resilient development pathways.

This report outlines a strategic framework for South Africa's TVET ecosystem to support a just transition toward a Green Hydrogen Economy. It emphasizes the need to mitigate labor market upheaval in a coal-dependent economy with a 35.3% unemployment rate by focusing on reskilling, economic diversification, and social support.

This policy brief examines ESG implementation in Chinese-led infrastructure projects in Africa and Southeast Asia. It identifies key challenges including lack of transparency in loan contracts, weak domestic regulatory environments in recipient countries, and inadequate planning for long-term local capacity and land acquisition. The document recommends that the AU and ASEAN create joint platforms for ESG standards, that recipient governments increase transparency through the publication of loan contracts, and that local capacity building be prioritized to ensure project sustainability.

This report outlines the objectives of a community of practice on African climate finance, convened by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), and the African Development Bank (AfDB), to identify adaptation finance priorities for the COP27 conference in Egypt.

This briefing from the South African Institute of International Affairs argues for the adoption of 'anticipatory governance' within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to transform industrial policy. It suggests that embedding foresight into policymaking allows the region to proactively address uncertainties, such as those highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and leverage emerging trends in digitisation and climate action to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the priorities and challenges for African nations leading up to COP27 in Egypt. It highlights the continent's push for climate justice, increased financial support for adaptation and loss and damage, and a 'just transition' that allows for the temporary use of natural gas to ensure energy security.

This policy brief examines the role of nuclear science and technology in Africa's development and argues for the increased participation of women and youth in the sector. It aligns this goal with African Union (AU) frameworks for gender equality and youth empowerment, identifies existing networks like WiN Africa and AYGN, and outlines the challenges and requirements for expanding inclusion in nuclear energy, medicine, and agriculture.

This research paper analyzes the context of Kenya's 2022 general election, detailing the primary candidates, the economic pressures facing the country, and the historical challenges of its electoral processes.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that African nations must develop a unified strategy and structured communication channels through the African Union (AU) to engage with Russia. It highlights Russia's increasing military and political push into Africa, the continent's economic vulnerability to grain and oil price shocks, and the need for collective agency to avoid becoming pawns in global geopolitical disputes ahead of the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the evolving relationship between the Republic of Korea and Africa, focusing on opportunities for collaboration in climate change and energy transition. It analyzes Korea's carbon-neutrality goals and the African Union's Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy (2022–2032) to identify synergies in renewable energy, green minerals, smart cities, and sustainable agriculture.

This research paper analyzes the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and identifies strategic opportunities for Korean investors and the Korean government to reverse a decline in trade with Africa. It highlights the potential for Korea to leverage its expertise in capital goods, automotive manufacturing, and clean energy to integrate into emerging African regional value chains.

This policy brief examines the challenges and opportunities for securing sustainable finance to support Africa's regional infrastructure agenda, specifically within the framework of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It highlights the gap between Africa's high climate vulnerability and its low access to sustainable finance, proposing lessons from the ASEAN region to improve project bankability and regulatory harmonisation.

The SAIIA Young Leaders Declaration 2022 is a statement by South African youth and educators outlining recommendations for a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. It focuses on four primary areas: global climate change and energy transition, the creation of inclusive societies, the development of sustainable communities, and socio-economic growth. The document calls for increased youth participation in policy-making, the decarbonisation of the private sector, the protection of marginalised groups, and the strengthening of African supply chains and infrastructure.

This policy brief examines the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) established under the Paris Agreement, focusing on the reporting requirements for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the challenges faced by developing countries, particularly in Africa, in meeting these standards by the 2024 deadline.

This research paper explores the 'epidemic-terrorism nexus,' arguing that terrorist activities hindering polio eradication in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan should be viewed as a form of bioterrorism. It warns that the disruption caused by COVID-19 may encourage terrorists to use bioweapons and highlights a critical lack of research on bioterrorism within the African context.