On 28 March 2025, the Southern Africa Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) programme — a flagship initiative of the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), in partnership with the DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development (SARChI-ID) at the University of Johannesburg — co-hosted a policy dialogue with Econ3x3, marking the launch of the revamped Econ3x3 website.
Back row: Prof Murray Leibbrandt, Director of ACEIR in SALDRU, James Beeson, Economic Advisor, British High Commission, Prof Fiona Tregenna (Director of SARChI-ID), Dr Mark Nasila Chief Data Analytics Officer, FNB, Risk, Andrew Donaldson, Senior Research Associate, SALDRU, Mike Foster, Economic Counsellor, British High Commission, Dr Gilad Isaacs, Executive Director, IEJ, Ferial Haffajee, Associate Editor, Daily Maverick.
A platform for policy and progress
Held at the University of Johannesburg’s Auckland Park Kingsway Campus (APK) in the Madibeng Building’s Ubuntu Chambers, the policy dialogue brought together a distinguished group of policymakers, economic advisors, researchers, and industry experts. The focus was on navigating South Africa’s employment and economic growth challenges within the constraints of fiscal limitations, rapid technological advancements, and evolving labour market structures.
Key discussions revolved around:
- Balancing economic growth, employment, and fiscal sustainability.
- The role of industrial policy, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and targeted sectoral interventions.
- The impact of technology and automation on the future of work.
This event also marked the official relaunch of the Econ3x3 website, a research-to-policy platform offering concise, evidence-based analyses of South Africa’s economic landscape. With an enhanced interface and expanded thematic areas, the revamped platform aims to foster increased contributions from leading experts across various sectors.
A hybrid discussion on employment and economic inclusion
The policy dialogue was structured as a hybrid event, facilitating both in-person and virtual participation. A moderated panel discussion, followed by an interactive audience Q&A, ensured an engaging and insightful exchange of ideas.
Panel of experts
- Gilad Isaacs – Executive Director, Institute for Economic Justice
- Neva Makgetla – Senior Economist, Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies
- Renosi Mokate – Executive Chairperson, Concentric Alliance
- Fiona Tregenna – SARChI Chair in Industrial Development, University of Johannesburg
- Mark Nasila – Chief Data and Analytics Officer, First National Bank (Risk)
- Moderated by: Ferial Haffajee, Associate Editor, Daily Maverick
Key themes explored
The discussion examined strategies for employment creation, labour market reform, and industrial policy adaptation in a fast-changing economic landscape. Some of the critical focus areas included:
- Employment Policy and Industrial Strategy: Expanding job opportunities through industrial policy, SME growth, and sectoral support mechanisms.
- Skills Development and Labour Market Reform: Aligning training programmes with high-growth industries and fostering workforce mobility.
- Job Creation and Economic Inclusion: The role of government, businesses, and local stakeholders in generating employment and economic opportunities.
- Technology and Employment Dynamics: The transformative impact of automation and AI on job creation and workforce transitions.
- Policy Strategies for a Changing Economy: Strengthening resilience in the labour market through targeted reforms and inclusive economic policies.
Insights and reflections
The dialogue sparked thought-provoking conversations and inspired broader policy considerations beyond South Africa. Participants highlighted the need for a more inclusive and forward-looking employment strategy. Alex Adegboye, Assistant Professor at Covenant University, noted that the event was “very insightful and will initiate a redirection of employment policies not only in South Africa but in Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole.”
A key theme that emerged was the need to “decolonize industrial policy” by incorporating urban and agricultural self-employment into mainstream economic strategies. Laura Alfers, International Coordinator at Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO), found this particularly thought-provoking for WIEGO’s future direction. Additionally, discussions underscored the importance of fostering new industries in emerging sectors such as the green economy and agri-processing in an equitable and inclusive manner. One participant remarked, “Creating new industries, yes, and in new emerging sectors, such as the green economy and agri-processing, in an equitable and inclusive manner!”
Looking ahead
As South Africa navigates economic challenges and opportunities in the digital era, dialogues such as these play a critical role in shaping forward-looking employment policies. With insights from policymakers, researchers, and industry experts, the event reinforced the need for adaptive policies that balance economic growth, technological advancements, and workforce sustainability.
The relaunched Econ3x3 platform will serve as a crucial resource in bridging research and policy, ensuring that evidence-based solutions contribute meaningfully to the country’s socio-economic development.
