NWU Economists and WTO-WCP Team Make Strong Contribution to ESSA’s 2025 Centenary Conference
The School of Economic Sciences at North-West University, together with researchers from the WTO Chairs Programme (WCP), proudly contributed to the 2025 Centenary Conference of the Economic Society of South Africa (ESSA)—one of the country’s largest and most influential academic gatherings.
Held from 8–10 September 2025 at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, the conference brought together nearly 300 participants and featured more than 200 research presentations, marking a significant milestone in ESSA’s 100-year history.
NWU & WTO-WCP Contributions: Advancing Research on International Trade and Development
Researchers from NWU and the WTO-WCP Chair showcased a diverse and impactful range of work, reinforcing the university’s standing as a leader in trade-related research in South Africa.
Key contributions included:
• Climate & Agricultural Trade Dynamics
Prof. Anmar Pretorius and Prof. Mariëtte Geyser presented new findings on how ENSO climatic events influence maize price transmission between the United States and South Africa, shedding light on the links between climate variability and agricultural markets.
• Economic Forecasting for Policy and Planning
Prof. Raymond Parsons and Prof. Waldo Krugell contributed insights into forecasting and economic prediction, offering methodological tools relevant for policymakers and business leaders navigating uncertainty.
• Institutions, Infrastructure & Regional Growth in SADC
Prof. Gabila Nubong and Lerato Ntuli delivered an empirical study on the role of institutions and infrastructure investment in driving economic growth in SADC, emphasising governance and sustainable regional development.
• South Africa’s Export Performance
Mariska Aucamp, Prof. Ermie Steenkamp, and Prof. Carli Bezuidenhout examined the determinants of export survival, with implications for strengthening South Africa’s long-term export performance and trade resilience.
• Exchange Rates & BRICS Growth Dynamics
Dr. Goitsemodimo Abel Molocwa and Prof. Ireen Choga analysed the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on economic growth within BRICS nations, using a panel ARDL approach to better understand macro-financial linkages in emerging economies.
Strengthening the Interface Between Research and Policy
The breadth of NWU and WTO-WCP participation demonstrates the School’s commitment to producing high-quality research at the intersection of international trade, development, and economic policy. Their contributions not only advanced academic dialogue but also provided insights relevant to South Africa's evolving economic landscape and global trade engagement.
As the ESSA conference commemorated a century of economic scholarship, NWU’s strong presence reaffirmed its role in shaping the next generation of evidence-based policy and trade research.
The School of Economic Sciences and the WTO-WCP Chair extend their congratulations to all contributors and look forward to continued engagement in advancing economic research in South Africa and beyond.
