Institute For Security Studies
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is a pan-African policy research organisation focused on human security, governance and conflict analysis across the continent. It conducts research, offers training and provides policy advice to governments, regional bodies and international partners on issues including organised crime, terrorism, illicit trade and natural-resource governance. The institute has offices in several African cities, including Pretoria, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Dakar, giving it a broad continental footprint. Its analysts frequently publish reports and commentary on conflict dynamics in the Great Lakes region, including illicit gold and mineral smuggling networks linking the Democratic Republic of Congo to regional and global markets. The ISS works closely with regional economic communities such as the Economic Community of Central African States and the African Union on peace and security matters. It is regularly cited by journalists and policymakers as an independent source of expertise on organised crime, artisanal mining and cross-border security threats in sub-Saharan Africa. The institute also monitors armed groups and their financing mechanisms, including those operating in eastern Congo. Its research informs debates on curbing corruption and improving mineral-supply-chain transparency. Established to strengthen African-led approaches to security challenges, the ISS has grown into one of the continent's most cited security-research bodies. It maintains partnerships with donor governments and international organisations to fund its research and outreach programmes.
Institute For Security Studies Updates
Instant payments outpace Central Africa’s anti-money laundering controls
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 17th September 2026 The region has joined an African cross-border payment system built for speed and trade – but it could accelerate financial crime. Sending money... →
Can Africa take ownership of the AU-US infrastructure deal?
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 8th September 2026 Early momentum is real, but AU member states, private capital and wary US investors have yet to be brought on board. Since the African Union... →
Europe’s heatwave warning for Africa: fast-track a climate leapfrog
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 7th September 2026 A looming super El Niño makes Africa’s leap from fossil fuels to a renewables-dominated energy mix urgent. The heatwave that swept Europe this... →
Has the AU successfully taken Africa’s G20 baton from South Africa?
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 7th September 2026 Africa’s G20 priorities have lost ground under the US presidency, with little pushback from the AU or other development-focused members. Has the... →
UN peace operations review may struggle to deliver for Africa
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 3rd September 2026 The review report reflects some of Africa’s demands, but major challenges threaten the implementation of its recommendations. The long-awaited... →
SA can’t tackle migration while ignoring Zimbabwe’s democratic backsliding
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 31st August 2026 South Africa and SADC’s reluctance to remedy misgovernance in their neighbourhood contributes to migration, sparking xenophobia and causing... →
Conflict and climate: double threat driving Great Lakes displacement
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 31st August 2026 Climate hazards are compounding decades of conflict-driven displacement, while fragmented responses expose vulnerable communities to repeated... →
Unusual suspects: elders in West Africa’s changing drug trade
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 27th August 2026 The apparent rise of trafficking by older adults could reflect a new criminal adaptation rather than individual criminality. Adults aged 50 and... →
Africa must unlock the capital beneath its farmers’ feet
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 26th August 2026 Agriculture is the foundation for Africa’s economic takeoff, but without land tenure reform, its potential will remain untapped. Africa’s quality... →
Africa’s Road to Prosperity: 10 Things to Know
17th August 2026 Africa is the world’s fastest-growing region, yet it still grapples with extreme poverty. How can African countries leapfrog traditional... →
