Sanusha Naidu
About
Sanusha Naidu is a distinguished analyst and public intellectual whose work straddles scholarship, policy, and public engagement. Her contributions to the study of Africa’s political economy and international relations — particularly Africa–China relations, BRICS, and South Africa’s foreign policy — make her a central voice in debates on the continent’s role in a rapidly shifting global order. Through her dual positions at IGD and the Nelson Mandela School, she links high-level research with governance practice, ensuring Africa’s perspectives are embedded in both academic
and policy discourses.
Research Interests & Expertise
Examines how institutional quality, state capacity, and political settlements shape development trajectories. Connects governance outcomes with Africa’s bargaining power in international forums. Engages policy debates on inclusive growth, youth participation, and industrialisation.
Specialist on the political economy of Africa–China and Africa–India relations. Co-editor of seminal works including Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon? Africa and China (2008) and Chinese and African Perspectives on China in Africa (2010).
Analyses BRICS and IBSA as platforms reshaping multilateralism and accelerating South–South coalitions. Recent work includes analysis of BRICS expansion in 2025 and its distributional effects on African agency.
Focuses on South Africa’s external posture amid domestic constraints and shifting global alignments. Recent publications include South Africa’s Evolving Global Stance after the 2024 Elections (ISPI, 2025).
Book Now
Contact us below to book this Motivator
