South African Institute of International Affairs
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1934
- HeadquartersJohannesburg, South Africa
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
South African Institute of International Affairs firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- South African Institute of International Affairs
- Legal name
- South African Institute of International Affairs
- Website
- https://saiia.org.za
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1934
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
South African Institute of International Affairs industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Policy Research and Think Tank Services
- NAICS
- International Affairs (92812), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (541720), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541)
- SIC
- International Affairs (9721)
- akta.pro industry
- Economic Research, Statistics & Policy AdvisoryBusiness & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/International Trade & Economic DevelopmentTechnical Assistance, Policy Lending & Capacity Building ProgramsBusiness & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/International Financial Institutions & Development BanksResearch & Lab-Based Short-Term Programs (Undergraduate/Graduate)Education/International Education & Study Abroad/International Summer/Winter Schools & Short-Term Academic ProgramsDebt Relief, Restructuring & Sovereign Advisory ProgramsBusiness & Public Services/International Organizations & Development/International Financial Institutions & Development BanksResearch Administration & Grants Management Support (Pre/Post-Award, Compliance)Education/Education Facilities & Support Services/Outsourced Operations & Managed Services for Education (BPO/Contracted Support)
Keywords
Where South African Institute of International Affairs is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Johannesburg
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices5 records
Markets served
South African Institute of International Affairs business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: SAIIA generates revenue primarily through annual membership fees across five tiers: diplomatic missions (R11,880/year incl. VAT), institutions (R12,000/year incl. VAT), private sector/corporates (custom quotation), individuals (R750/year incl. VAT), and students (R250/year incl. VAT). Members receive monthly electronic updates, library access, invitations to research dissemination events, informal access to the research team, and tier-specific briefings.
- Core Programme Funding: Ongoing grants from core funders (Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) support SAIIA's general operations and programme delivery.
- Project and Programme Grants: Time-limited project grants from governments, multilateral organisations, and foundations (e.g., Department for International Development, US Agency for International Development, European Union, United Nations agencies) tied to specific research programmes and thematic areas.
- Consultancies and Commissioned Research: Custom research engagements commissioned by governments, embassies, international organisations, and institutes (e.g., German Development Institute, Danish Embassy, Japanese International Cooperation Agency, South African government departments) producing bespoke reports and analyses.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Diplomatic Missions - Full membership for embassies, high commissions, consulates |
| Subscription | Annual | Institutions - Civil society organisations and government departments |
| Subscription | Annual | Private Sector Organisations and Corporates - Companies operating in South Africa |
| Subscription | Annual | Individual Members - Interested members of the public |
| Subscription | Annual | Student Members - Students with a valid student number |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels11 records
South African Institute of International Affairs product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SAIIA is an independent non-government think tank producing rigorous research, policy analysis, and thought leadership on international affairs, foreign policy, economic diplomacy, governance, climate change, and natural resources for Africa. It delivers value through publications, the quarterly South African Journal of International Affairs, a tiered membership programme offering briefings and library access, a UN depository / World Bank Development Information Centre reference library, events and webinars, the Africa Youth Portal, and Youth@SAIIA youth programming. Commissioned research and consultancies are also produced for governments, embassies, and international organisations.
Product overview
SAIIA is an independent public policy think tank offering a portfolio of research and analysis products centered on international affairs. The core offerings include publications and research reports, the quarterly South African Journal of International Affairs (SAJIA), events and webinars, and a membership programme serving diplomatic missions, institutions, private sector organizations, and individuals. Additional offerings include the Africa Youth Portal (a Mastercard Foundation partnership), Youth@SAIIA youth programming, specialized toolkits on topics like China-Africa relations and value chains, the G20 Resource Centre, and library services with UN and World Bank depository status. SAIIA also conducts research projects on themes including futures studies, climate, energy, and governance. The organization does not operate as a technology platform or offer software products.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Publications and Research Reports Independent research reports and publications covering economic diplomacy, foreign policy, governance, climate change, natural resources, and Africa-global relations, available through the SAIIA website and offered to members, policymakers, academics, and the public.
- South African Journal of International Affairs (SAJIA) Quarterly peer-reviewed academic journal publishing rigorous research on international affairs topics relevant to Africa and the Global South, distributed to SAIIA members and subscribers.
- Africa Youth Portal Digital hub for research and analysis produced by emerging scholars across Africa and the diaspora, operated by Youth@SAIIA in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
- SAIIA Membership Programme Annual membership programme offering briefings, library access, event invitations, and research dissemination services for diplomatic missions, government departments, corporates, civil society organisations, individuals, and students.
- Youth@SAIIA Youth programming arm delivering youth participation training, leadership development, and engagement programmes on democracy, governance, civil society participation, and environmental sustainability across East and Southern Africa.
- G20 Resource Centre Online resource centre providing research and analysis on G20 and global governance topics, particularly during South Africa's G20 presidency.
- Reference Library Services Reference library open to members, students, researchers, and the public, housing international relations material with UN depository status and World Bank Development Information Centre access, plus the Martin Edmonds Collection and League of Nations documents.
- Events and Webinars Speakers' meetings, panel discussions, webinars, roundtables, and conferences on topical international affairs issues, hosted by SAIIA's branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, and East London.
- Commissioned Research and Consultancies Bespoke reports, analytical studies, and technical support commissioned by governments, embassies, multilateral agencies, and international research institutes on African international affairs and political economy.
Quantifiable outcome
- Africa Youth Portal serves emerging scholars across Africa and the diaspora, covering five thematic research areas.
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use South African Institute of International Affairs
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
South African Institute of International Affairs technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
South African Institute of International Affairs partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, major and minor.
- Mastercard FoundationflagshipStrategic partner in the Africa Youth Portal, a premier digital hub for research and analysis produced by emerging scholars across Africa and the diaspora. The portal is hosted by Youth@SAIIA and covers five thematic areas: youth inclusion and agency, gender, education, climate change, and peace and security.
- Chatham HousemajorProvides the Chatham House Fellowship, hosting visiting researchers at SAIIA.
- German Development InstituteminorCommissioned SAIIA to produce a report on South Africa's changing role in global development structures.
- Humane Society InternationalminorCommissioned SAIIA to assess the economic value and potential risk to wild lion populations of South Africa's predator breeding industry.
- Open Society Initiative for Southern AfricaminorCommissioned SAIIA for the African peer review mechanism sensitisation project in Namibia (ASPIN).
- Danish EmbassyminorCommissioned SAIIA to facilitate an event for Danish ambassadors in Africa.
- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)minorCommissioned SAIIA to produce a customised report for Japanese businesses to promote infrastructure development in SADC.
- German Foreign Office Policy UnitminorCommissioned SAIIA to facilitate an event on Africa's role in a changing global order.
- Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation (South Africa)minorCommissioned SAIIA to provide technical support for the 25-year review chapter on international relations.
- Southern African Development Community (SADC) SecretariatminorCommissioned SAIIA to construct a study titled 'Towards a SADC blue economy strategy'.
- Embassy of Japan in South AfricaminorCo-hosted an event with SAIIA on Japan and South Africa's joint interest in the Indian Ocean.
- Embassy of the Federal Republic of GermanyminorCommissioned SAIIA for ecosystem-based adaptation research in South African coastal cities.
- Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA)minorSAIIA contributed a chapter for an edited volume on geopolitics and Africa published by MISTRA.
- AUDA-NEPADflagshipAUDA-NEPAD and SAIIA co-hosted a high-level G20 dialogue on sustaining Africa's voice in global governance.
Scale indicators5 records
Expansion highlights6 records
South African Institute of International Affairs competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs): UK-based international affairs think tank with a similar model of membership revenue, research publications, convening, and a Chatham House Fellowship - SAIIA explicitly partners with Chatham House via the visiting fellowship programme, making it the closest analogue in mission and structure.
- Brenthurst Foundation: Johannesburg-based think tank focused on African economic development and governance, founded by former SAIIA Director of Studies Greg Mills. Comparable on South African footprint, thematic focus, and convening of senior African leaders, though more narrowly scoped to economic development.
- Institute for Security Studies (ISS): Africa-focused policy research organisation with offices across the continent, working on governance, security, and international affairs. Directly comparable to SAIIA on thematic remit, funder profile, and target audience of diplomats and policymakers, with broader continental reach.
- ACCORD (African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes): Durban-based African conflict resolution and peacebuilding think tank. Comparable on South African base, donor-funded research model, and convening of diplomats and policymakers, with thematic overlap on governance and peace and security.
Emerging players
- Africa Policy Research Institute: African-led policy research and advisory institute focused on Africa's political economy and global engagement. Comparable on the international affairs and African governance remit, but smaller and more digital-native than SAIIA.
Broad incumbents
- Brookings Institution: One of the largest US policy research organisations, with a Brookings Africa Growth Initiative that overlaps with SAIIA's economic diplomacy and governance work. Comparable on the policy research and convening model, though at significantly greater scale and thematic breadth.
- Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Global network of research centres producing policy research on international affairs, with thematic parallels to SAIIA on global governance, foreign policy, and economic statecraft. Comparable on research output model and funder mix, but with substantially larger global footprint.
- International Crisis Group: Global organisation working to prevent wars and shape policy on conflict, with significant African coverage. Similar analytical output model (reports, briefings, fieldwork) and similar funder base of governments and foundations, but operates at significantly larger scale globally.
- Council on Foreign Relations: US-based think tank with a similar membership-based model, flagship journal (Foreign Affairs), and dual focus on research and convening for an elite diplomatic and corporate audience. A larger-scale analogue of SAIIA's international affairs positioning.
Others
- South African Institute of Policy Research: Adjacent South African policy research ecosystem actor. Listed as a regional ecosystem peer given SAIIA's positioning in the South African policy research cluster, though no direct comparable brand is currently identifiable with confidence.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
South African Institute of International Affairs social profiles
Digital presenceSouth African Institute of International Affairs financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
South African Institute of International Affairs leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
South African Institute of International Affairs funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
South African Institute of International Affairs M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about South African Institute of International Affairs
What does South African Institute of International Affairs do?
SAIIA is an independent non-government think tank producing rigorous research, policy analysis, and thought leadership on international affairs, foreign policy, economic diplomacy, governance, climate change, and natural resources for Africa. It delivers value through publications, the quarterly South African Journal of International Affairs, a tiered membership programme offering briefings and library access, a UN depository / World Bank Development Information Centre reference library, events and webinars, the Africa Youth Portal, and Youth@SAIIA youth programming. Commissioned research and consultancies are also produced for governments, embassies, and international organisations.
Is South African Institute of International Affairs a public or private company?
South African Institute of International Affairs is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was South African Institute of International Affairs founded?
South African Institute of International Affairs was founded in 1934. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is South African Institute of International Affairs based?
South African Institute of International Affairs is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does South African Institute of International Affairs make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are core Programme Funding, project and Programme Grants and consultancies and Commissioned Research.
Who are South African Institute of International Affairs's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs), Brenthurst Foundation, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and ACCORD (African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes). Africa Policy Research Institute is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Brookings Institution, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, International Crisis Group and Council on Foreign Relations. South African Institute of Policy Research is listed as an others.
Does South African Institute of International Affairs have an API?
No public API is recorded for South African Institute of International Affairs.
What industry is South African Institute of International Affairs in?
South African Institute of International Affairs's product category is Public Policy Research and Think Tank Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADAMAJ, Economic Research, Statistics & Policy Advisory, with a secondary code of BPADACAN, Technical Assistance, Policy Lending & Capacity Building Programs. Its NAICS code is 92812 and its SIC code is 9721.