SA-TIED showcases at Centre for the Study of African Economies workshop

Economists and researchers from across Africa gathered earlier this month at the University of Pretoria for the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE) Economic Development in Africa workshop, a pre-conference event leading up to the main CSAE conference at the University of Oxford. Held annually at different African universities, the workshop provides a platform for addressing some of the continent’s most pressing economic challenges. By fostering collaboration between academics and policymakers, the event encourages the exchange of ideas and research on issues such as inequality, fiscal sustainability, and the potential of digital economies.

The 2024 workshop featured diverse presentations, including one from the SA-TIED programme, which highlighted its data-driven economic research. Central to the presentation was the National Treasury Secure Data Facility (NTSDF), which provides researchers with secure access to anonymized tax data. This unique resource enables studies on topics such as income inequality, revenue mobilization, fiscal sustainability, and enterprise development. The NTSDF exemplifies how administrative tax data can be leveraged for research. SA-TIED’s presentation showcased how the data lab fosters collaboration among academics, policymakers, and government officials, bridging the gap between evidence and policymaking to address economic challenges in Southern Africa.

A diverse and impactful programme
The workshop highlighted the breadth of economic challenges across Africa, featuring presentations on household dynamics, digital economies, fiscal policies, and public health. Research on intergenerational mobility examined how early-life experiences influence economic opportunities, with case studies from South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo illustrating the long-term impact of education.

The digital economy was another focal point, with researchers sharing insights from Rwanda and Uganda on the transformative role of digital financial services. These studies highlighted how technology empowers women and reshapes rural economies, sparking discussions on addressing structural barriers to economic participation.Fiscal and monetary policy sessions addressed the complexities of economic stability in resource-dependent economies. Presentations explored innovative strategies for managing interest rates in Ethiopia and enhancing financial resilience in Mozambique during commodity booms. Health and education research showcased the wide-reaching benefits of targeted interventions. Case studies from Tanzania highlighted the educational gains linked to malaria eradication efforts, while nutrition-focused programmes in Nigeria demonstrated how public health initiatives can drive societal transformation.

Beyond the academic insights, the workshop celebrated the importance of collaboration and capacity-building across African institutions. By rotating its location annually, the CSAE workshop fosters partnerships between regional and global research hubs, reinforcing the sustainability and reach of its impact.

The discussions sparked at the workshop are expected to inform not only academic discourse but also concrete policy initiatives across the continent. Building on this momentum, SA-TIED is set to participate in the official conference in Oxford next year, where it will showcase the programme and its data lab to an international audience.