Inclusive growth, socio-economic development and transformation drive TUT’s Faculty of Economics and Finance’s research

In our series on TUT’s seven Research Niche Areas, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and addressing South Africa’s key challenges, we spotlight Economics and Finance.

Research Niche Area Leader and Head of Department at the Faculty of Economics and Finance, Prof Mulatu Zerihun. This niche area focuses on inclusive growth, socio-economic development and transformation.

Under the leadership of Research Niche Area Leader at the Faculty, Prof Mulatu Zerihun, it addresses South Africa’s pressing socio-economic challenges by exploring ways to better integrate vulnerable groups and informal businesses into the formal economy. Research is geared toward reviving inclusive economic growth and fostering sustainable development through innovative solutions.

Key focus areas include enhancing urban-rural linkages, the digital economy, the green economy and understanding the political economy of innovation and entrepreneurship. The research also examines public sector fiscal management and pro-growth policies to support economic transformation and reduce inequality.

Aligned with SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), this niche area generates inclusive growth policies to address issues like slow growth and high unemployment. By promoting ethical governance, balanced economic growth and the role of digital and green investments, it aims to transform South Africa’s economy to be more inclusive, innovative and sustainable.