Fourth Young Scholars Conference on Structural Change and Industrial Policy in Africa

Fourth Young Scholars Conference on Structural Change and Industrial Policy in Africa

Industrialisation and industrial development continues to be at the forefront of the development agenda of many African countries. With the ratification and implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), trade, regional integration and regional industrialisation are likely to become even more important in policy considerations.

The DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development (SARChI-ID) and the Young Scholars Initiative brought together young scholars for the Fourth Young Scholars Conference on Structural Change and Industrial Policy in Africa. The contributed to scholarship on structural change and industrial development and policy in Africa, specifically among young scholars. Especially research that takes a pluralist perspective was encouraged.

Senior international scholars served as discussants to provide feedback on presented papers. The conference was be held virtually, with the option of congregated physical attendance at satellite venues, where attendants can participate in the conference as a group in a single venue.

Themes included

• Structural change in Africa
• Industrial development, industrialisation, sector studies, and deindustrialisation in Africa
• The political economy of industrial policy in Africa
• Trade and industrial development in Africa
• The innovation, technological upgrading, and the 4IR in Africa
• Green industrialisation and green industrial policy in Africa
• Gendered aspects of industrial development and policy in Africa
• Labour market or distributional aspects of industrial development in Africa

Satellites took place at:

• Nairobi, Kenya, hosted by Timothy Bisakaya of the Cooperatives WG
• Osogbo, Nigeria, hosted by Binta Moustapha of the Sustainability WG
• Somanya, Ghana, hosted by Rex Asiama of the Economic Development WG
• Windhoek, Namibia, hosted by Christopher Shafuda of the Africa WG
• Abomey-Calavi, Benin, hosted by Christ Arsène Ouinsou
• Johannesburg, South Africa, hosted by Phumzile Ncube (UJ) and Christina Mosalagae (YSI, INET)

> Program PDF here <

Organizing Committee

From the University of Johannesburg:
Fiona Tregenna
Alexis Habiyaremye
Phumzile Ncube
Melanie Ridgard
Elvis Avenyo
Richard Itaman

From the Young Scholars Initiative:
Christina Mosalagae
Heske van Doornen
Jay Pocklington