Economic Research Southern Africa

South Africa’s Labour Market at 30: Progress, Stagnation, and Structural Constraints

Thirty years after democracy, South Africa’s labour market remains deeply strained. Despite major policy reform and rising educational attainment, unemployment remains among the highest in the world, with youth unemployment reaching 62.4% in early 2025. Racial and gender gaps in employment and earnings continue to shape economic inequality in South Africa. In this episode, ERSA’s host speaks with Professor Vimal Ranchhod, Professor of Economics at the University of Cape Town, about research examining South Africa’s labour market from 1994 to today. Using national survey data, the research traces long-run employment and earnings trends across race, gender, education, and sectors of […]

Priced out: Africa’s voice on the cost of capital

The upcoming G20 Summit in November is the first G20 Summit to be held on the African continent. This historical event marks the continent’s growing role in governance and focuses on the theme Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability. In today’s podcast ERSA’s host sits down with Olawunmi Ola-Basuri, the Political Impact Manager at ONE Campaign and Richmond Commodore, a Senior Economist at the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET), to demystify the cost of capital in Africa, and how it impacts Africa’s future. Across the continent, countries are paying some of the highest borrowing costs in the world. What is underneath this? Is […]

The Role of Development Finance in Industrial Policy

Industrial policy is once again central to global debates on economic growth and development. Governments worldwide are deploying new strategies to stay competitive amid geopolitical shifts, climate imperatives and rapid technological change. South Africa is no exception. The International Economic Partnership (IEP) Programme invites you to listen to a four-part webinar series on industrial policy. The fourth and final session, chaired by Margaux G, focuses on The Role of Development Finance in Industrial Policy. This webinar explores how development finance can catalyse investment, innovation, and inclusive economic growth, while aligning with broader macroeconomic and sustainability goals. Together Antonio Adreoni, Adria Rius, Annie […]

Public Procurement as an Industrial Policy Lever

Industrial policy is once again central to global debates on economic growth and development. Governments worldwide are deploying new strategies to stay competitive amid geopolitical shifts, climate imperatives and rapid technological change. South Africa is no exception. The International Economic Partnership (IEP) Programme invites you to listen to a four-part webinar series on industrial policy. The third session chaired by Fouché Venter, focuses on Public Procurement as an Industrial Policy Lever. This webinar explores how local content regulations, preferential procurement, and public sector demand can stimulate industry while aligning with broader structural reforms and international trade commitments. Together Philipp Lamprecht, Annie Sugrue, […]

The Role of Industrial Incentives in the South African Economy

Industrial policy is once again central to global debates on economic growth and development. Governments worldwide are deploying new strategies to stay competitive amid geopolitical shifts, climate imperatives and rapid technological change. South Africa is no exception. The International Economic Partnership (IEP) Programme invites you to listen to policymakers and experts for a four-part webinar series on industrial policy. The second of these webinars is chaired by Lauralyn Kaziboni and focuses on the Role of Industrial Incentives in the South African Economy. This webinar critically examines the design, effectiveness, and future direction of South Africa’s industrial incentive framework as a driver of development.  […]