Southern Africa

Research focuses on policies for generating inclusive and diversified economic growth to tackle inequality, strengthening regional security, consolidating democracy, and adapting to environmental change.

Research events and publications are informed by inclusive engagement with policymakers, investors, businesses, civil society, and media to build a greater understanding of the political economy of southern Africa, produce nuanced analysis and generate policy impact.

The Africa Programme’s work on Angola analyses current and emerging trends in the country’s politics and international relations.

An inclusive process of engagement with economic stakeholders in Zimbabwe is facilitating discussion towards a long-term economic strategy. A conference in Harare in 2017 built on two past projects focused on economic reform and international re-engagement that culminated into reports on The Domestic and External Implications of Zimbabwe’s Economic Reform and Re-engagement Agenda, published in 2016, and Zimbabwe’s International Re-engagement: The Long Haul to Recovery, published in 2014. The programme hosted successive finance ministers Tendi Biti in 2013, Patrick Chinamasa in 2016, and Mthuli Ncube in 2018.

Work on South Africa primarily focuses on the country’s regional and international political and commercial relations. In 2017, a publication discussed the drivers for South Africa’s Economic Engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa, and South African Minister of Trade Rob Davies outlined the country’s regional trading ambitions and their reactions to the UK’s Brexit negotiations. The programme has also engaged on youth perspectives on the country’s future and prospects for higher educational reform.

A 2018 conference on Mozambique examined how the context of the past continues to shape the country’s future. Published in 2015, the report Mozambique to 2018: Managers, Mediators and Magnates addressed the need for policy-makers to balance short-term needs of commercially competitive industries with social needs as well as the constitutional rights and expectations of the country’s citizens.

The 2019 research paper Prospects for a Sustainable Elite Bargain in Mozambique: Third Time Lucky? explores Mozambique’s peace process and the risks ahead of the country’s 2019 elections.

The 2013 report Swaziland: Southern Africa’s Forgotten Crisis supported efforts for inclusive reform in eSwatini.

Work on sustainable development and job creation through bio-diversity conservation and regional political co-operation has focused on the Kavango-Zambezi transfrontier conservation area encompassing Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Zambia was a core case study for a 2017 study on creating businesses of scale for employment generation.

Project content

In a world looking for leadership, South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa has been remarkable. One year after he carried the time-worn ANC through a national election, South Africans are crying out for more.

Southern Africa’s national liberation movements have survived ‘end of decade’ elections across the region. Combating corruption has been at the heart of many of the campaigns, but the question is can they succeed?

This briefing note is the result of a collaborative research process with the Zimbabwean private sector, government representatives, industry organizations and experts, drawing on best practice and senior-level insights to identify policy options for long-term economic revival and expansion in Zimbabwe, and pathways for inclusive development.

He was the founding father of modern Zimbabwe, but he leaves behind a contested legacy and a country at a crossroads.

A papal visit will highlight the importance of the recently signed peace agreement between the government and opposition.

This paper examines how the deal to end civil conflict was achieved and highlights potential risks in the run-up to the October 2019 elections and beyond.

A mine clearance specialist in Angola preparing equipment used to look for unexploded ordnance, May 2012. Photo: Eye Ubiquitous/Contributor/Getty Images.

This publication draws on and updates the briefing note published following a meeting of the All- Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Angola on 26 April 2017. It also incorporates insights from a Chatham House Africa Programme conference session on the legacies of the Angolan Civil War, held on 23 March 2018; and draws on the Africa Programme’s research into conservation-driven development models in Southern Africa.

In the wake of South Africa’s election, political constraints will ebb momentarily. The president should seize the opportunity to deliver meaningful change.

It is critical that the Angolan authorities get a full picture of the efficiency shortcomings of past major investments, and that bold reforms are undertaken to make public investment more efficient.

Emmerson Mnangagwa has been declared president of Zimbabwe amid protests and violence but Zimbabweans are now in a post-political, economy-first mood, writes Knox Chitiyo.

Zimbabwe cannot expect to rebuild in the same economic model that brought previous prosperity.

A trip to Beijing by Zimbabwe’s military chief was a ‘normal military exchange’, China’s foreign ministry said after the army seized power in Harare. Alex Vines examines the extent of China’s influence in Zimbabwe.

Castro supported many independence leaders in Africa, but Cuba’s solidarity and sacrifice was greatest in Angola.

As President Nyusi travels to China, there is growing concern over the government’s ability to pay its bills and a potential repeat of the 2010 riots.

Past events

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At this online Angola forum, experts will discuss Angola’s social and economic future, and what to expect from 2023.

Paul Mashatile, Treasurer-General of the African National Congress (ANC), discusses the outcomes of the 6th ANC Policy Conference 2022.

At this event, HE Hakainde Hichilema, president of the Republic of Zambia, discusses his vision for Zambia’s development and long-term political and economic reform and recovery.