The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)is South Africa’s premier research institute on international issues. As an independent, non-governmental 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. All our research outputs are available free of charge.
Founded in 1934, SAIIA was voted the best think tank in sub-Saharan Africa for five consecutive years (2009–2013) in the largest survey of peers, the University of Pennsylvania’s annual Global Think Tank Survey.
Our head office is located in Johannesburg on the campus of the University of the Witwatersrand, and we also have an office in Cape Town. SAIIA is a membership organisation, with branches in Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg and East London.
SAIIA provides local and regional decision-makers with independent, evidence-based options for Africa’s future development. We co-ordinate thematic research networks in the region and co-operate with institutions across the world.
Across our four main research themes, SAIIA covers a range of topics from an African perspective.