Getting Africa thinking and talking: a platform for positive change
The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is South Africa’s premier research institute on international issues. As an independent, non-government think tank, we have a long and proud history of providing thought leadership in Africa. We are both a centre for research excellence and a home for stimulating public discussion.


SAIIA Strategic Plan
The current strategy guiding our work runs from 2013 through to 2018.
Our Goal: A well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable and globally-engaged Africa.
Our Vision: To be the pre-eminent think-tank on Africa and on global issues as they affect Africa.
Our Mission: SAIIA provides input into policy development and promotes balanced dialogue and debate on issues crucial to Africa’s advancement and engagement in a dynamic global context. SAIIA does this by conducting evidence-based policy research, stimulating informed public debate, and building leadership and research excellence in Africa.
Our activities:
- making input into policy development locally and internationally
- undertaking research on current issues of importance to Africa generally and South Africa specifically with a focus on governance and accountability; trade, investment and development; foreign policy; and climate change and energy security.
- developing linkages and joint programmes with international organisations and agencies throughout the world
- maintaining a resource centre and reference library (that is a United Nations depository as well as a World Bank Development Information Centre) for students and scholars of international relations
- organising conferences, seminars and speakers’ meetings on a wide range of topics addressed by prominent South Africans and distinguished international guests
- encouraging an interest in international relations among the youth through our leadership programme for postgraduate interns and our youth outreach programmes for university students and high school learners