This workshop continues the strategic initiative for South African Economic History that started in 2007 with a training workshop presented by Prof James Robinson of Harvard University, followed by a successful networking workshop held in September 2008. At the September workshop two needs were identified: addressing the quantitative skills shortage, and furthering our knowledge of data available in South Africa. The workshop takes place 1 – 3 April 2009 at Glenburn Lodge, Muldersdrift.