Introduction
The South African Institute of International Affairs, commonly known as SAIIA, is an independent African public policy think tank that conducts research, encourages policy dialogue and develops practical recommendations concerning governance, diplomacy, economics, climate change and international relations.
History and Background
The South African Institute of International Affairs was founded in 1934, although its origins can be traced to discussions following the Versailles Peace Conference after the First World War. These discussions helped establish international relations and dialogue between states as important instruments for promoting peace.
SAIIA was established in Cape Town by a bipartisan group of politicians, academics and newspaper editors. Its original objective was to advance the study of international affairs, particularly in relation to politics, economics and jurisprudence.
Sir James Carruthers Beattie served as the organisation’s first president, while Professor R.W. Wilcocks and Senator F.S. Malan were elected as vice-presidents.
During its early years, SAIIA did not have a permanent office and concentrated on developing international relationships. It frequently represented African and former colonial perspectives at global meetings, including Commonwealth Relations Conferences.
In 1945, SAIIA published its first research paper, titled “The Real India: A Human Problem of World Importance,” written by Sir Robert Bristow.
The Institute underwent an important transformation during South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994. It subsequently expanded its African and international policy research, strengthened relationships with institutions across the continent and developed partnerships with leading global think tanks.
Today, SAIIA operates as an independent, non-governmental and not-for-profit research organisation with a strong focus on African policy priorities.
Mission and Purpose
SAIIA’s mission is to advance a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa.
The Institute seeks to improve public policy by producing independent research, convening policy discussions and connecting African experiences with regional and international debates.
Its work is designed to assist governments, policymakers, civil society organisations, businesses, researchers, development institutions, diplomats and young people in understanding complex international and African policy challenges.
SAIIA also promotes informed public discussion by making research findings available through policy briefs, reports, occasional papers, commentaries, events, webinars and media engagement.
The organisation’s principal research themes include African governance, diplomacy, foreign policy, economic development, regional integration, trade, investment, climate change, natural-resource governance, social development and emerging global risks.
Governance and Organisational Structure
SAIIA is governed by an independent National Council consisting of representatives from its membership network and senior figures from business and civil society.
The National Council provides institutional oversight and helps maintain the Institute’s independence, strategic direction and accountability. An Executive Committee supports the Council in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.
SAIIA is registered with South Africa’s Department of Social Development as a not-for-profit organisation. It is also recognised by the South African Revenue Service as a public benefit organisation.
The Institute’s leadership structure includes a National Council chairperson, an honorary treasurer and a chief executive. The chief executive participates in the governing structure in an ex officio capacity and oversees the organisation’s research, administration, partnerships and strategic activities.
SAIIA also has an International Advisory Board. This board performs a consultative role for the National Council and executive management, providing strategic advice based on its members’ experience in diplomacy, governance, economics, development and international affairs.
The organisation maintains branches, including a Western Cape branch, that support public engagement, membership activities and discussions on international affairs.
Funding and Financial Model
SAIIA finances its work through grants from international governments, multilateral organisations, private foundations and development partners. It also receives support from corporate, diplomatic and institutional members.
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency have been identified by SAIIA as core funders. Sida has supported the Institute’s core activities and strategic planning over several years.
Project-specific funding is generally connected to clearly defined research programs, policy processes, publications, stakeholder engagement and institutional objectives.
Membership represents another component of SAIIA’s financial and institutional model. Corporate, diplomatic and institutional members can support the organisation while gaining access to research expertise, events, policy discussions and briefings on African and international affairs.
SAIIA publishes annual reports and organisational reviews describing its activities, partnerships, policy engagements and achievements. These reports contribute to transparency and allow stakeholders to examine how the organisation translates financial support into research and public-policy impact.
Does SAIIA Provide Grants?
SAIIA is primarily a research institute and policy organisation rather than a conventional grantmaking foundation. Its principal role is to conduct research, produce policy analysis, organise dialogues and strengthen engagement between African stakeholders and international institutions.
The Institute may publish calls for consultants, researchers, partners or service providers for specific projects. It may also create opportunities for young people, academics and policy professionals to participate in research, conferences, fellowships, consultations or specialised initiatives.
These opportunities should not be interpreted as a permanent, open grant program. Applicants and organisations interested in collaborating with SAIIA should review the official website for current calls, vacancies, research opportunities and partnership announcements.
Major Research Programs
SAIIA organises its work through research programs covering African governance and diplomacy, climate and natural resources, economic resilience and inclusion, foreign policy, and emerging future issues.
These programs connect research with practical policy engagement. They bring together experts, public officials, businesses, civil society organisations, international partners and communities to examine challenges affecting South Africa and the wider African continent.
African Governance and Diplomacy
The African Governance and Diplomacy program examines democracy, public accountability, institutional performance, regional cooperation and Africa’s participation in international decision-making.
A significant part of this work relates to the African Peer Review Mechanism, an African Union initiative that enables participating countries to assess and improve governance.
SAIIA has implemented public sensitisation and engagement projects related to the African Peer Review Mechanism in countries including Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
These initiatives help citizens, civil society organisations and policymakers understand governance-review processes and participate more effectively in national and continental discussions.
Foreign Policy Research
SAIIA’s Foreign Policy program produces research for policymakers, businesses and civil society organisations working on South African and African international relations.
The program examines Africa’s relationships with major global powers, multilateral institutions and emerging economies. Its research covers regional diplomacy, global governance, geopolitical competition, international cooperation and South Africa’s role in world affairs.
SAIIA also hosts public addresses, conferences and policy discussions involving diplomats, ministers, academics and international experts. These events help connect policy research with contemporary diplomatic debates.
Economic Diplomacy and African Development
Economic diplomacy is a central component of SAIIA’s work. The Institute studies Africa’s engagement with the global economy and investigates how trade, investment and international cooperation can support inclusive development.
Research areas include global economic governance, macroeconomic policy, regional integration, infrastructure finance, trade agreements, industrial development and African participation in international institutions.
SAIIA also examines the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the development of regional value chains. This work helps identify policies that can strengthen intra-African trade, economic resilience and sustainable growth.
The Institute’s analysis is designed to inform governments and stakeholders seeking to improve Africa’s position within global economic systems.
Climate and Natural Resources
The Climate and Natural Resources program examines the governance of Africa’s land, water, energy, minerals, oceans and ecosystems.
Its research addresses climate adaptation, climate finance, biodiversity protection, energy transitions, critical minerals and sustainable natural-resource management.
Projects have explored marine and coastal ecosystem-based adaptation, partnerships supporting a just energy transition, and the future governance of critical minerals in Southern Africa.
SAIIA also investigates the fairness and accessibility of international climate-finance mechanisms. Its research highlights the challenges African countries face when seeking finance for adaptation, loss and damage, and sustainable development.
Through this work, the Institute connects environmental protection with governance, economic development and climate justice.
SAIIA Futures Program
The SAIIA Futures Program helps African institutions anticipate long-term political, economic, technological, environmental, security and social change.
It develops foresight and innovation capabilities that allow policymakers, businesses and civil society organisations to prepare for emerging risks and opportunities.
The program pays particular attention to the Southern African Development Community region. Its work encourages anticipatory governance, systemic innovation and long-term planning.
Research may cover technological disruption, future governance systems, demographic change, climate-related risks, economic transformation and new security challenges.
Youth@SAIIA
Youth@SAIIA is a longstanding program that equips young people with the knowledge and skills required to participate in international relations and public policy.
The program creates opportunities for young people to research policy issues, engage with decision-makers, develop recommendations and contribute to discussions concerning Africa’s future.
Through conferences, workshops, policy simulations and youth-led research, participants learn about diplomacy, governance, climate change, sustainable development and international cooperation.
The Africa Youth Portal is one of SAIIA’s initiatives for strengthening youth participation. It provides a platform through which young Africans can access information, express their perspectives and become involved in policy-related activities.
Youth@SAIIA recognises that young people should not only be beneficiaries of development policies but also active contributors to their design and implementation.
Publications and Knowledge Resources
SAIIA produces policy briefs, research reports, books, occasional papers, commentaries and analytical articles covering African and international affairs.
These publications translate technical research into information that can be used by policymakers, practitioners, researchers, journalists and members of the public.
The organisation also maintains specialised resources such as the China-Africa Toolkit, the African Peer Review Mechanism Toolkit and platforms examining development cooperation, regional value chains and African youth participation.
SAIIA’s research library and digital platforms provide access to historical and contemporary materials concerning international relations, diplomacy and African development.
Partnerships and Policy Engagement
Partnerships are central to SAIIA’s approach. The Institute collaborates with African governments, universities, research organisations, civil society groups, international agencies and development partners.
These relationships enable SAIIA to combine academic research with practical experience and locally informed perspectives.
The organisation convenes conferences, roundtables, expert discussions, workshops and public lectures. Such activities allow stakeholders to examine research findings, exchange knowledge and develop policy recommendations.
SAIIA also engages with regional and international institutions, including the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the Group of Twenty and other global governance platforms.
During South Africa’s G20 presidency in 2025, SAIIA was selected as a co-leader of the Think20 engagement group. This provided an important platform for advancing African perspectives within global policy discussions.
Impact and Examples of Work
SAIIA’s impact is primarily achieved by informing policies, strengthening public debate and connecting African evidence with national, regional and international decision-making.
Its research on African governance has supported greater public understanding of accountability, democracy and the African Peer Review Mechanism.
Economic diplomacy research has contributed to discussions about regional integration, trade, investment, infrastructure finance and Africa’s role in global economic governance.
Climate and natural-resource research has generated recommendations concerning climate finance, ecosystem-based adaptation, critical minerals and sustainable resource management.
Foreign-policy analysis has helped policymakers, businesses and civil society organisations understand South Africa’s international relationships and Africa’s engagement with major global powers.
Youth programs have enabled young Africans to participate in policy discussions and develop skills in research, diplomacy, advocacy and leadership.
Through publications, media commentary and policy events, SAIIA makes complex international issues more accessible to wider audiences and ensures that African perspectives are represented in global debates.
Why SAIIA Matters
African countries face interconnected challenges involving governance, economic inequality, climate change, geopolitical competition, technological disruption and international financial reform.
Addressing these issues requires independent evidence, informed dialogue and cooperation between governments, researchers, businesses, civil society and communities.
SAIIA contributes to this process by producing Africa-centred policy research and creating spaces where different stakeholders can exchange perspectives.
Its independence enables the organisation to examine sensitive policy questions, assess existing approaches and recommend practical alternatives without functioning as a government department or political organisation.
Conclusion
The South African Institute of International Affairs is one of Africa’s long-established public policy think tanks, with a history extending back to 1934.
Its work covers governance, diplomacy, foreign policy, economic development, climate change, natural resources, future risks and youth participation. Through research, publications, partnerships and public engagement, SAIIA seeks to advance a peaceful, well-governed, economically sustainable and globally connected Africa.
Although SAIIA is supported by institutional grants and donor partnerships, it is not primarily a grantmaking foundation. Its principal contribution lies in generating evidence, influencing policy discussions, developing leadership and ensuring that African experiences and priorities are represented in regional and international debates.
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