The Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis, (BIDPA) congratulates Dr Masedi Mao Motswapong. Dr Motswapong recently obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. His thesis is titled; Wage Differentials by Sector and Gender in Botswana

A Research Fellow at BIDPA, Dr Motswapong is a public policy analyst interested in international economics, trade, and labour market issues, with 15 years of experience contributing to national policy and economic development. He has contributed immensely to public policy with relevant research outputs.

Since joining BIDPA, he has been a team member for several consultancy projects of national importance. The projects, among others, include;

(i) An Analysis of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Tariff Structures and Identification of Priority Areas for Botswana
(ii) An Inventory Assessment of Botswana’s National Policies, Regional and Multilateral Commitments in Trade Related Issues
(iii) A study to investigate the impact of the SACU Tariff Policy on Food Prices in the Sub-Region, 2008 - 2009
(iv) Southern African Development Research Network (SADRN) Project-The International Trade Unit hosted the Thematic Theme on Trade and Pro-Poor Growth
(v) Mapping out investment opportunities in District and Town Councils in Botswana
(vi) A project on Mining and the Diversification of the Botswana Economy
(vii) A study to inform Botswana’s choice between SACU and SADC Customs Union
(viii) Member of the Special Select Committee of Inquiry on the Botswana Meat Commission and the Beef Industry
(ix) A study to assess the Costs and Benefits of Botswana’s membership in SACU,
(x) A study to review and align Economic Policies, strategies and laws (along with their regulations) in Botswana
(xi) Development of the Waste Management Policy

Dr Motswapong has also published BIDPA working papers and several peer-reviewed journals.

He also holds a Master of Arts degree in Economics, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, all from the University of Botswana.