South Africa and China: The Making of a Partnership
South Africa–China relations are developing at a steady pace, from the onset of formal diplomatic ties in 1998 to the multi-faceted partnership we see today.
Ethiopia, Regional Integration and the COMESA Free Trade Area
Arguments that free trade enhances welfare are persuading more and more countries to liberalise their trade regimes. One way of doing this is to join a free trade area (FTA).
SADC leaders must show zeal
The heads of state and government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) members are ensconced in the resort town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. This is for the annual summit of the regional economic community (17-18 August) that includes countries from as far north as Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Riding the Sudanese Storm: China, India, Russia, Brazil and the Two Sudans
This paper gives a thematic analysis of the Chinese, Indian, Russian and Brazilian engagements in Sudan after 2005, with particular interest in the changing nature and trajectory of these relationships after the establishment of South Sudan in 2011.
South Africa: Closer Government and Industry Engagement the Key to Beneficiation
The 2014 South African Mining Lekgotla convenes in Johannesburg, on 13-14 August. This comes against the backdrop of unresolved challenges in the mining sector, including the recent protracted platinum strike, inter-union rivalries and violence, service delivery failure in mining communities and the persistent migrant labour system.
Synthetic Diamonds and the Kimberly Process: Fighting the last war
For well over a decade, a unique, but flawed global governance initiative, the Kimberley Process, has sought to assure customers that the high prices that they pay for diamonds – stones sold as symbols of love – are not associated with war and bloodshed. But more recently, the increasing production of synthetic diamonds in response to demand in emerging countries is threatening the stability of the entire diamond market.
The future of the platinum industry and its implications for South Africa
At this week’s Mining Lekgotla (13-14 August 2014), the future of the currently suppressed platinum industry is likely to be a key agenda item. Whether fuel cell technology takes off is a critical determinant of what this future might look like.
Women grossly under-represented in international politics
Women are still severely underrepresented in governments globally. A 2013 World Economic Forum report covering 115 countries notes that women have closed over 90% of the gender gap in education and in health but only 15% when it comes to political empowerment at the highest levels of government.
Africa Must Also Lobby US Congress on Trade Law
This week African leaders have descended on Washington, DC for the first ever US-Africa Leaders Summit.
Three Scenarios for the Future of AGOA
On September 30, 2015, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) will expire. The act provides duty free access to the US, and if it lapses could threaten 62,395 jobs in South Africa alone.