Director’s Statement
I joined ERSA as Executive Director on 8 February 2024. I am honoured to lead this organisation, which has, since its inception in 2004, striven to be a cornerstone for economic research. I am committed to our vision: A Southern Africa where high-quality economic research informs policies that contribute to economic growth.
Despite some signs of post-pandemic recovery, Southern Africa continues to face significant economic challenges. Persistent inflation has kept policy rates high, fiscal balances continue to deteriorate, and various structural issues hinder economic productivity. The region needs robust economic growth, and at ERSA, we believe that rigorous economic research is key to finding solutions to these complex challenges.
During 2023/24, ERSA published five working papers and eight discussion documents, organised or co-organised 11 events — including four training sessions and seven conferences or seminars — and proudly awarded top student prizes to 91 graduates across seven universities.
Having joined ERSA towards the end of this period, my focus is on future initiatives. Moving forward, we are committed to enhancing ERSA’s research output, fostering greater engagement among researchers, and strengthening the interaction between the academic and policy communities. Our goal is to ensure a seamless exchange where policy questions inform academic inquiry and scholarly insights effectively shape policy.
Economic research can inform and shape public policy, bridging the gap between academia and practical applications. We remain dedicated to supporting research by fostering an environment where economists can address critical policy questions. Our mission is to drive the volume, quality, and relevance of economic research to effectively shape public policy.
Our central priorities for 2024/25 are as follows:
- Identifying the critical research questions within each of ERSA’s newly defined research programmes:
a. Fiscal and MonetaryPolicy
b. Trade, Industrial and CompetitionPolicy
c. Human Capital Policy
d. Environmental Policy - Establish a fellowship programme with convenors contracted for each research programme.
- Increase the utilisation and output of the working paper series.
a. Install a web-based journal management system.
b. Offer stipends for working paper reviews.
c. Utilise the fellowship’s network to expand ERSA’s reviewer database.
- Strengthening the relationship between ERSA and South African universities
- Increasingtheinteractionbetweenuniversityresearchersandpolicymakersthrough policy roundtables, seminars and conferences
I believe ERSA can play a crucial role in shaping the economic policy landscape in southern Africa. Through rigorous research, collaborative partnerships, and accessible communication, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the economic growth and development of our region.
Fouché Venter
Executive Director