Ambassador Lin Songtian’s recall signals shifts ahead in China-Africa relationship
The sudden recall from South Africa of Chinese ambassador Lin Songtian was initially interpreted as being a demotion. But the contrary appears to be true – it now looks as though his deft use of Twitter has propelled him into another role: A combatant in the growing US-China media confrontation.
COVID-19: Immunising one country and leaving the rest to their fate not enough to protect citizens
The Group of 20, chaired by Saudi Arabia, must consider the specific plight of the poorest countries during global pandemics
Coronavirus and upcoming elections in Africa: What are the options?
At the rapid rate at which the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been spreading, it was only a matter of time before Africa was affected.
Positioning South Africa in 21st century global nuclear security debates
South Africa’s third term on the UN Security Council (UNSC), which began in January 2019, takes place within a more constrained domestic milieu than its previous terms.
Should SA establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund? Lessons from the African continent
During his budget speech last month, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni took steps to concretise longstanding talks on establishing a South African Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).
Coronavirus: our offices are closed, but we’re keeping connected
It was always going to be a matter of time before the global COVID-19 pandemic hit our shores.
South Africa’s carbon tax: Balancing climate action and economic development
South Africa has committed to becoming a low-carbon and climate-resilient nation by signing the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Botswana’s civil society gears up for African Peer Review Mechanism
After years of disinterest and dismissal, Botswana became the 38th country to accede to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) – Africa’s good governance promotion and monitoring tool – in February 2019.
Africa’s trade in services and the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement
In recent years there has been growing interest in the role and position of the services sector and services trade in structural transformation and development.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty 50 years on: Where does Africa stand?
Today marks 50 years since the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) entered into force. Resting on three pillars – nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear technology – it was intended to provide stability and security in an uncertain world.