By Reatlegile Ratlagane
Selected from hundreds of applications across Africa, Keitumetse Leballo, an Advance Diploma in Economics student from the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Economics and Finance, has been included in a group of 60 students to participate in the prestigious African Economic Scholars Programme 2025.
The programme is an initiative aimed at nurturing and supporting African students studying economics through mentorship, research opportunities and providing a platform to engage with economic issues affecting the continent. The programme targets final-year undergraduates and recent graduates in economics from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.
The 23-year-old is currently participating in the virtual programme centered around research development, collaborative learning and critical economic policy training that started on 15 June through to 3 August 2025.
“I am going to learn and unlearn some of the misconceptions about African Economy. This programme will help improve my skills, such as analysis, understanding and interpreting economic data and policy analysis. Moreover, it will help and guide me on how to conduct economic policy analysis,” Leballo said.
Excited for the opportunity to engage and network with various stakeholders in the field, Leballo sees this opportunity as a chance to elevate and develop her career in economics. With hopes to contribute to the field through research, she believes that she will be able to connect with Alumni from TUT and other professions in the industry.
“Participating in this programme can broaden my opportunities in the job market, as it will demonstrate my commitment in economic development and analysis. I want to attend more workshops, seminars and similar programmes to gain hands-on experience and increase my chances of being highly employable in this competitive industry,” she said.
With an unemployment rate of 32.9% in South Africa, Leballo believes that equipping herself with the relevant skills will work in her advantage.
Keitumetse Leballo has been included in a group of 60 students to participate in the prestigious African Economic Scholars Programme 2025.