The dynamics of South African investment in the rest of Africa
Historically South Africa has been one of the largest investors in Africa. Yet in recent years it has been facing growing competition from other investors – both from outside Africa (notably, China) and from other African countries.
Border economies: Bottlenecks or growth zones?
Land borders in the SADC region are critical zones for unlocking economic development, regional value chains and trade.
China-Britain-Uganda: Trilateral Development Cooperation in Agriculture
Against the broader context of donor pluralism, trilateral development cooperation (TDC) has received renewed interest within development policy circles, with supporters arguing that TDC reflects the changing geographies of aid and helps to forge new, more equitable global development partnerships.
In the driver’s seat? African agency and Chinese power
While Africa’s partnership with China has undeniably led to a jump in trade and investment, especially over the past two decades, many on the continent remain concerned about the relationship’s lack of equality.
Troubling times ahead: election scenarios for the DRC
Many observers have welcomed the August announcement that President Joseph Kabila will not be contesting the national elections scheduled for December in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Danger of blurring global migration governance and health security agendas in Southern Africa
This paper explores the potential risks associated with the blurring of global migration governance and health security agendas in Southern Africa, a region associated with high levels of population mobility, communicable, and – increasingly – non-communicable diseases.
Debt trap? Chinese loans and Africa’s development options
Africa’s growing public debt has sparked a renewed global debate about debt sustainability on the continent. This is largely owing to the emergence of China as a major financier of African infrastructure, resulting in a narrative that China is using debt to gain geopolitical leverage by trapping poor countries in unsustainable loans.
Work, Employment, and Training Through Africa China Cooperation Zones: Evidence from the Eastern Industrial Zone in Ethiopia
This working paper investigates the developmental impacts of Ethiopia’s Eastern Industrial Zone (EIZ), with a particular focus on local employee experiences of working for, training with, and learning from resident companies. As an emerging mode of Africa-China cooperation, the promotion of Chinese special economic zones (SEZs) has attracted much academic and media attention.
Foreign Direct Investment: Lessons from SADC
With the financial support of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) conducted research on the interplay between foreign direct investment (FDI), trade liberalization and regional integration (RI) in SADC.
Reviving regional momentum
Following the 38th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit which took place on 17-18 August 2018 in Namibia, questions around the region’s economic integration and development progress arose once more.