Economic and strategic services

In 2007, DNA Economics was part of a team tasked to investigate the reasons for declining labour productivity amongst unskilled workers in the forestry sector.  This study involved a range of interviews with the client, its sub-contractors and representatives of labour to identify the key factors (both economic and social) that impact on the availability and efficiency of unskilled labour in South Africa. The information and insights from this study enabled the client to make important and informed decisions on how to optimise the use of labour in its business operations.

Evidence and analysis in support of regulatory hearings

DNA Economics has recently completed a cost-benefit evaluation of the impact of the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill. This cost-benefit analysis, performed under sub-contract to SBP, comprised part of a regulatory impact assessment (RIA) ofthe Bill as requested by Cabinet, and funded by Presidency and the DTI. The use of RIAs is relatively new to the South African policy environment, and thus it was of particular importance to consult international best practice in this arena. The resulting report integrated industry feedback with economic theory and policy priorities, to formulate a clear set of recommendations for the political executive, which are still under consideration. DNA Economics has several competition and other litigation cases currently underway. For more detail please consult our services page.

Tailored macroeconomic and industry briefings

Good economic briefing reports not only provide a rapid introduction to a theme, but supply relevant insights on which decision making can be based. For example, a 2009 DNA Economics briefing on the impact of global economic crisis on African markets for AusAid traced the specific mechanisms through which the crisis would impact on regional economies, in order to provide insight for AusAid on the best strategic approach to the crisis going forward. DNA Economics is also capable of producing technical, industry or country reports on specific economic topics for policy and business decision makers.  For example, the company has recently completed a report on current trade policy trends and likely future scenarios for the Presidency of South Africa; and a briefing document on key trade issues and policy developments for the Executive Board of Standard Bank.

Expert advice and strategic guidance to governments

Over the last few years DNA Economics has provided assistance and advice to numerous government departments in South Africa, including the Presidency, the National Treasury, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Public Enterprises, the Department of Land Affairs, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Education,  the Department of Health, the National Credit Regulator, the National Energy Regulator and the Provincial Governments of Mpumalanga and the Western Cape.  Within the region, we have worked with the Governments of Zambia, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland and Mozambique.

For example, in 2009 DNA Economics advised the Presidency on the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems. The project examined the Programme of Action, the system used to monitor departmental performance in meeting presidential policy priorities. Drawing on international best practice in monitoring and evaluation systems, in the United Kingdom and Colombia in particular, the team made structured and practical recommendations for the improvement of the system going forward. The importance of clear and measurable project goals and a better resourced evaluation function were highlighted.

Training and capacity building

DNA Economics staff and associates have strong links to Universities in South Africa and abroad and have been involved in the design and implementation of numerous formal and informal training activities.

We are currently in the process of finalizing an accredited post-graduate training programme in trade and financial analysis for International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) investigators.  This training programme was developed and implemented by DNA Economics in cooperation with the University of the Witwatersrand.

Outside of the university environment, DNA Economics associates have developed short courses in trade policy analysis, economy-wide modeling and international competitiveness which have been delivered in a number of African countries; and have presented a  one-week ‘executive' course on trade and industrial policy to the Mozambique Minister of Trade and Industry and his senior officials.

Assistance to donors

DNA Economics has worked with most of the major donors active in Southern Africa, including AusAID, DFID, the EU, GTZ, the Irish Agency for International Development, Italian Aid, UNCTAD, USAID and the World Bank.  The work has included the design of new projects, the monitoring and evaluation of existing programmes, and numerous technical consulting assignments.   DNA Economics has also been involved in the management and staffing of two long-term donor programmes, one in South Africa and one for SADC.

For example, DNA Economics provides quality assurance to AusAID's trade programmes in Southern Africa.  This involves the regular review of all reports and papers produced by the region's thee largest trade institutions and ongoing technical advice to AusAID and the three partner institutions.   DNA Economics has also assisted AusAID in the design of a joint economic research programme between the Treasury Departments of South Africa and Australia and was been tasked to implement this programme on behalf of AusAID.

Strategic partnerships

DNA Economics works closely with its carefully selected strategic partners within South Africa and abroad in order to offer clients the best local and international advice.

The African Microeconomic Research Umbrella (AMERU)

The Allen Consulting Group

Evaluatiegroep

The Green House