The New South Institute (NSI) is honoured and delighted to share that it has been named one of On Think Tanks’ “100 Think Tanks to Watch in 2025.”

This peer-driven recognition initiative celebrates organisations shaping ideas and driving change around the world. Built entirely on nominations from other think tanks, sector professionals, and members of the On Think Tanks community, the list highlights institutions that peers believe have demonstrated noteworthy practices, innovative approaches, or impactful contributions over the past year.

Selection reflects the value placed on these organisations by their peers – recognition grounded in the sector’s collective knowledge, experience, and appreciation of good practice. As a public policy institute committed to evidence-based reform, and recognised for our contributions across public service reform, migration governance, South–South dialogues, and anti- corruption initiatives, we take great pride in this acknowledgement.

Three decades after South Africa’s democratic transition, South Africa faces a renewed call to realise the promise of capable, ethical, and developmental governance. In this pivotal moment – shaped by the enduring effects of state capture, deepening inequality, and institutional strain – the New South Institute is helping to chart a path forward: rebuilding as well as reimagining. Through initiatives such as the Public Service Reform Programme, NSI has advanced critical reforms to professionalise the public sector and strengthen accountability, while its Migration Governance Reform in Africa (MIGRA) initiative has expanded dialogue across the continent on humane, effective migration policy.

NSI’s work extends across a wide spectrum of governance innovation – from anti-corruption and state capture prevention, in partnership with the Anti-Corruption Coalition at GIBS, to South–South dialogues that offer fresh perspectives on global governance. Through research, convening, and collaboration, NSI continues to strengthen institutions, amplify new voices, and produce rigorous, actionable knowledge that serves both policymakers and the public. As South Africa and the wider Global South navigate an era of profound change, NSI’s mission remains clear: to advance evidence-based reform, deepen accountability, and contribute to a more just and capable state.

To be recognised alongside such a stellar group of global institutions – including Chatham House, the Brookings Institution, and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace – is both an honour and a milestone for NSI. It affirms our position as global players on a global stage and stands as a testament to our team’s dedication and the impact of our work. We also extend our warmest congratulations to our colleagues and partners who have been recognised alongside us.

Together, we look forward to continuing to advance research, reform, and collaboration, across Africa and the world, as we work toward a more equitable and evidence-informed future. Being recognised by our peers in this way is both humbling and inspiring – a powerful reminder that our work matters, and that together, we are shaping policy for global good.

Read the full list at: https://onthinktanks.org/100towatch/