The University of Johannesburg (UJ) in partnership with the United Nations African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) hosted the official launch of the UJ-IDEP MPhil in Industrial Policy programme on Monday, 18 April 2016 at the University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH), on its Auckland Park Bunting Road Campus.

“The importance of industrial policy for economic diversification, structural transformation, economic growth and poverty reduction cannot be overstated. Half a century after independence, most African countries remain dependent on exports of mineral and agricultural commodities in a raw or semi-processed state, “says Prof Samantha Ashman, Director: UJ-IDEP MPhil in Industrial Policy, UJ.

She pointed out that increasing knowledge and skills in the area of Industrial Policy is vital for the continent, and the partnership between IDEP and UJ will make an important contribution.

The purpose of the programme is to develop the students’ intellectual competencies, intellectual independence and practical skills in the acquisition, analysis, interpretation and application of appropriate industrial policies to support the structural transformation of the economies of the continent.

The new UJ-IDEP MPhil in Industrial Policy is for the benefit of middle and senior level policy officials in Government Ministries/Departments, Regional Economic Communities (RECS) and others in the private sector as well as non-governmental actors involved in designing, managing, monitoring and evaluating industrial development policies.

The United Nations African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) offered 10 full scholarships to eligible applicants from member states. The MPHIL Industrial Policy Programme currently has 10 International and 9 Domestic Students attending the lectures.