The aim of the conference

The conference aims to deepen the understanding of the relationship between finance and industrial development, and of what financing is required for industrial development. The conference will bring together academics, policy makers, as well as organisations and practitioners involved in the various aspects of finance for industrial development & industrial development more broadly.

The context for the conference

Finance is an essential element for economic growth, yet despite South Africa having one of the best rated financial systems and a robust banking and financial sector, it remains an economy plagued by stagnant growth and pedestrian levels of investment. There have been significant critiques of the structure and behaviour of the financial sector, and of its lack of transformation in various respects.

In South Africa and the region, there is an urgent need to promote industrialisation and move towards greater levels of equality and a pro-employment development path. How can finance better support these imperatives? Developing strategic and coherent approaches, that maximise the impact of state resources and that leverage private sector and international development finance, requires further research, analysis and engagement.

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Past Forums

The Forum is platform for researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders to present research and engage in dialogue on policy-relevant issues. The Forums have overarching themes and have been running since 1997. For details of past Forums and copies of research presented go to Forum Papers.