Human and Social Development

Dr Masedi Mao Motswapong is a public policy analyst interested in international economics, trade, and labour market issues, with 15 years of successful and progressive experience contributing to national policy and economic development.

He has contributed immensely to public policy with relevant research outputs. He is hardworking and highly responsible with work, has a high capacity for teamwork and a solid commitment to project delivery within budget and time allocated.

Dr Motswapong, a Research Fellow at BIDPA, holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. His thesis is titled Wage Differentials by Sector and Gender in Botswana.

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, and (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.

Dr Lillian Mookodi is a Development Economist and Research Fellow at the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA), where she has worked since 2012. Her work focuses on generating policy-relevant evidence to advance inclusive and sustainable development in Botswana and the wider region.

Dr Mookodi has contributed to the development and analysis of major national policy initiatives, including the Poverty Eradication Policy and the National Social Protection Recovery Plan. Her work brings together economic analysis, empirical research and policy engagement, with a particular focus on understanding how economic and social policies can improve opportunities and outcomes for disadvantaged and vulnerable populations.

Her research interests include poverty and inequality; social protection and public policy;  social mobility and education; gender and development; youth development and employment;  food security; and regional integration. Across these areas, her work examines the factors that shape economic and social mobility and the policies that can promote more equitable development outcomes.

Dr Mookodi holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Reading, United Kingdom, where her doctoral research examined intergenerational  educational mobility in Botswana, with a focus on how educational opportunities and outcomes are transmitted across generations. Her research contributes to the broader evidence base on inequality of opportunity, social mobility and inclusive development, with implications for education, social protection and public policy. She also holds a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of Manchester (UK); and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences (Economics and Statistics) from the University of Botswana.

Prior to joining BIDPA, Dr Mookodi served as Poverty Strategy Coordinator at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (Botswana), where she worked with national and international partners on the coordination and implementation of Botswana’s poverty and food security strategies.

Her research work has produced peer-reviewed journal articles, policy briefs, technical reports and working papers, reflecting her commitment to bridging research and policy and translating empirical evidence into actionable insights for poverty reduction, social
protection, human development and inclusive economic development.