NWU WTO–WCP Team Celebrates the PhD Achievement of Dr. Tiroyaone Ambrose Sirang

Dr. Tiroyaone Ambrose Sirang obtained his PhD in International Trade in 2025. His doctoral research provides an important contribution to trade policy analysis in Southern Africa by assessing the potential economic impacts of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the United States. Using a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model, his study simulates a range of liberalisation scenarios to evaluate their effects on trade flows, welfare outcomes, and sectoral performance across SACU member states. This evidence-based approach offers valuable insights for policymakers considering deeper trade integration with the United States.

Dr. Sirang is pictured here with his promoter, Dr. Lorainne Ferreira, who—together with Co-promoter Prof. Waldo Krugell—provided expert supervision throughout the research process. His work strengthens NWU’s growing portfolio of high-impact trade research and highlights the important role played by NWU academics involved in the WTO Chairs Programme (WTO–WCP) in advancing policy-relevant scholarship across the region.