18 new economic modellers graduate from inaugural EMA multi-sector macroeconomic modelling course

Meet South Africa’s next generation of economic modellers emerging from the Economic Modelling Academy’s inaugural course at GIBS

JOHANNESBURG, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024: In a significant achievement for the future of South Africa’s economy and policy and strategy-making, 18 professionals from across civic, public and private sectors proudly graduated from the Economic Modelling Academy’s (EMA) inaugural Executive Course in Multisector Macroeconomic Modelling. 

The course is offered through the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in Johannesburg.  The graduation, held on 20 September 2024 at GIBS marks a pivotal moment for South Africa, said EMA academic director, Dr. Asghar Adelzadeh. 

“We are counting on the current and next generation of economic modellers to help fulfil the post-Apartheid promise,” he said. “Fixing South Africa’s challenges needs a new toolbox, and training the current and a new generation of economic modellers is one of those tools that should be in it.” Dr Adelzadeh added.

EMA aims to put economic models in the hands of leaders so they can design a better future, with the power of insight and evidence. Good data and strong policy can help put South Africa – civic, public and private sectors – on track and make better informed decisions. 

Under the guidance of industry leaders, including Dr. Adelzadeh, the graduates are now equipped with cutting-edge tools to design policy scenarios, forecast economic trends, and drive data-driven decisions that will shape the country’s future. 

One graduate, Ofentse Ntsane said: “I’ve learnt about distinguishing features of capitalism, its sources of dynamism, growth, metrics of employment and unemployment. 

“The course also taught me to be more familiar with the main distinction between mainstream and heterodox schools of thought in economics which is fundamentally about how capitalism works and explore the debate on the role of state and policy in the economy.”

With their newfound skills, they are poised to address complex challenges in the policy making landscape with macro-economic analysis, tackling topics associated with poverty and inequality,  sustainable development, and skills planning. “These graduates are not only professionals; they are visionaries prepared to take South Africa forward,” Dr. Adelzadeh added.

Explore the graduation pictures on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/oBwYkENg7W12Xq1a/