Economic Modelling Academy links with GIBS to capacitate current, new generation of modellers
Executive modelling provides positive policy-altering pathways both government and business can use, say partners
SEALED DEAL: Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Dean, Professor Morris Mthombeni with Economic Modelling Academy co-director, Dr. Asghar Adelzadeh at the announcement of their partnership to offer executive economic modelling courses to the nations leaders and decision-makers.
LOW growth shouldn’t equal low ambition for South Africa. Business, government, civil society and individuals should be aiming for more and building for it, especially capacity.
A good place to start is to leverage data-based insights for better policymaking.
This was the message at the forging of a future-oriented partnership between powerhouse business school, the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and the newly established Economic Modelling Academy (EMA) to host and deliver a new set of executive economic modelling courses from 2024.
The two institutions on 3 November 2023 announced they have joined forces to address the urgent need for economic modelling expertise in South Africa.
They say the goal is to empower leaders, economists, policy-makers, thinkers, and strategists to make evidence-based decisions that shape the nation’s future.
This partnership represents a significant national milestone in equipping individuals and organisations with the essential skills to navigate the complex economic challenges facing South Africa.
“In today’s uncertain economic landscape, the ability to use data and analytics to model and forecast accurately is paramount for achieving sustainable growth and social development, on one hand, and planning and policy-making on the other,” said GIBS’s Dean, Professor Morris Mthombeni.
Why economic modelling now?
The partnership comes at a critical juncture and moment in South Africa’s post-apartheid trajectory. The country faces persistent economic disparities, soaring unemployment rates, and the need to transition to a green economy.
“The synergy between EMA and GIBS is driven by a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact on South Africa’s economic future,” said Dr. Asghar Adelzadeh, EMA co-director.
“Economic modelling is a powerful tool that can guide policy-making, drive innovation, and create opportunities for prosperity and the prospect of, finally, delivering on the post-Apartheid promise.
“Our collaboration with GIBS will enable us to reach a wider audience and empower decision-makers with the insights they need to address the nation’s pressing challenges.”
With a cross-cutting curriculum that includes courses in “Modelling Of Poverty and Inequality,” “Modelling Of Social Protection,” “Green Economy Modelling,” “Skills Supply and Demand Modelling,” “Modelling Provincial-District-Municipal Economies,” and “Multi-Sector Macroeconomic Modelling,” EMA and GIBS are offering a comprehensive toolkit to address intersecting challenges.
Dr. Pali Lehohla, also EMA co-director said: “Economic modelling is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.”
“South Africa is grappling with complex economic issues, and the lack of precise data analysis and forecasting is holding us back. With this partnership, we aim to bridge that gap and empower our leaders and decision-makers to navigate these challenges effectively.”
Prof. Mthombeni said GIBS is committed to providing high-quality education that has a tangible impact on South Africa’s socio-economic landscape.
“Our collaboration with EMA aligns with this vision, and we are excited to host their executive courses. The content and expertise EMA brings will undoubtedly contribute to the development of a new generation of informed, capable, and forward-thinking leaders.”
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Dean, Professor Morris Mthombeni at the launch of the Economic Modelling Academy at GIBS.
The partnership also reinforces the dedication of both EMA and GIBS to address South Africa’s economic challenges with cutting-edge education and hands-on training.
Executive students will learn how to use data-driven approaches to develop and implement effective business strategies and public sector policies to enhance both government and business outcomes in line with the National Development Plan (NDP).
“The Economic Modelling Academy is intent on building capacity for change and our ability to do so is supercharged by the linkage with GIBS,” said Cynthia Alvillar, Economic Modelling Academy chief executive.
“Our union is not just an alliance; it’s a pledge to equip leaders, economists, and policymakers with the tools and insights needed to drive South Africa forward. The urgency of the hour cannot be overstated. Our executive course offering and curriculum addresses these pressing issues.”
The executive courses, which will be hosted online through GIBS, will be accessible to a wide range of professionals and organisations seeking to enhance their economic modelling skills and play a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s future.
For more information on EMA’s executive courses and to register, please visit GIBS executive course page or explore EMA’s curriculum below.
- Executive Course 1: Modelling Of Poverty & Inequality
- Executive Course 2: Modelling Of Social Protection
- Executive Course 3: Green Economy Modelling
- Executive Course 4: Skills Demand and Supply Modelling
- Executive Course 5: Modelling Provincial- District-Municipal Economies
- Executive Course 6: Multi-Sector Macroeconomic Modelling
For EMA media inquiries, please contact:
+27 83 320 8748
About EMA:
The Economic Modelling Academy (EMA) was founded in 2022 by leading economists and policy analysts Dr. Asghar Adelzadeh, Cynthia Alvillar and Dr Pali Lehohla. Their mission is to empower leaders, economists, policy-makers, decision-makers, thinkers, and strategists with the power of insight and foresight through economic modelling. EMA believes capacity to effectively use data and models can help design policies to fulfil the post-Apartheid promise. EMA’s courses and expertise enable individuals and organisations to make informed decisions that drive South Africa’s economic growth and development.
For GIBS media inquiries, please contact:
Luleka Mzamo
About GIBS:
The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) is an internationally accredited business school located in Johannesburg, South Africa. As one of the top business schools in the country, GIBS is dedicated to developing responsible leaders who can navigate the complexities of the global business environment. GIBS provides a diverse range of educational programs, including postgraduate degrees, executive education, and custom programmes.
