Mining for a circular economy in the age of the 4IR: The case of South Africa
Mining is not typically associated with visions of a circular economy, where waste is transformed into inputs for ecologically safe outputs. But if the world is to transition to a low-carbon future – a fundamental imperative if we are to avoid warming the planet more than 1.5°C higher than pre-industrial temperatures – more minerals and metals will be required, not less.
African governments can learn lessons from Asia’s industrialisation
South Korea’s new ambassador to South Africa, Jong-Dae Park, offers advice on growing economies
Ambitions for greening solid waste management: Perspectives from Urban(ising) Africa
African cities are vexed by the triple challenge of rapid population growth, urban expansion and poor waste management.
Tracking AU themes: Why the APRM should rise to the occasion
Africa and its diaspora community are wrapping up the commemoration Africa Month – marking the anniversary of the creation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963, relaunched in 2002 as the African Union (AU). This should be a time of deep reflection on Africa’s developmental needs, going beyond wearing African regalia and celebratory events.
Enhancing EU resource governance interventions: A call for prioritising human security
In response to resource-fuelled conflicts in producer countries, EU foreign policy initiatives have sought to enhance ‘good governance’ throughout the value chain for an increasing number of primary commodities.
Challenges and opportunities for the EU in Africa’s extractives sector
The EU’s historical reliance on raw material imports from Africa and other regions is set to continue as the EU transitions towards a low-carbon future. According to the World Bank, the world will require roughly double the volume of minerals and metals currently mined to fuel the move towards a carbon-neutral future.
A win-win for Europe & Africa: Extractive justice & resource inter-dependency
The trade relationship between Europe and Africa in terms of the extractive sector is characterised by inequitable resource interdependence, whereby Africa does not benefit fully from its natural resources.
Business (not) for peace: A call for conflict-sensitive policy in fragile states
In much of Africa, the political economy shaping the private sector, as well as disincentives for the private sector to engage in peacebuilding and state building, militates against a peace-positive role for the private sector in extractives governance or broader efforts to promote SDG 16.
Africa: how the G20 can drive development in a changing global environment
SAIIA recently joined the world’s leading think tanks in Tokyo, Japan, from 26 to 27 May at the Think 20 Summit of the Japanese presidency.
Xenophobia erodes South Africa’s leadership potential
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration, scheduled to coincide with Africa Day on 25 May this year, intended to highlight ‘government’s commitment to advancing the African agenda and to strengthening ties between South Africa and its neighbours’, according to The Presidency.