TUT appoints international Economics expert as Extraordinary Professor

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has strengthened its academic expertise with the appointment of Prof Afees Adebare Salisu as an Extraordinary Professor in the Department of Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Finance, reinforcing its commitment to research excellence, international collaboration and policy-relevant scholarship.

Prof Afees Salisu Recognised globally for his academic impact, Prof Salisu ranks among the top 1% of economists in Africa and has consistently featured among the world’s top 2% scientists over the past five years.

Originally from Nigeria, Prof Afees Adebare Salisu is the Executive Director of the Centre for Econometrics and Applied Research (CEAR) in Ibadan, Nigeria. He completed his academic training in Economics through a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and PhD, followed by a Graduate Research Fellowship at University College London in the United Kingdom.

He has a strong international academic profile, having served as Visiting and Research Professor at several institutions worldwide. These include Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique, the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City, Ton Duc Thang University in Vietnam and the Global Humanistic University in Curaçao. He also serves as an Extraordinary Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Pretoria.

Prof Salisu described his appointment at TUT as a significant milestone that will strengthen his contribution to higher education and research in South Africa. He said the role aligns with his commitment to advancing Africa’s development through research, teaching, mentorship and policy engagement.

Welcoming the appointment, Prof Mulatu Zerihun, Head of the Department of Economics at TUT, said the decision enhances the department’s research capacity and supports its internationalisation agenda. He added that Prof Salisu’s expertise in econometrics and applied economics will strengthen postgraduate teaching, research collaboration and policy engagement, particularly in the African context.

His research focuses on major global and regional economic challenges, including climate change, energy transitions, financial stability, geopolitical shifts and technological transformation. He also prioritises issues such as unemployment, inequality, economic resilience and inclusive growth in Africa.

Prof Salisu said his work aims to support policymakers, businesses and institutions in addressing pressing economic challenges while promoting sustainable and inclusive development. He also highlighted his commitment to mentoring emerging researchers and encouraging research that responds to real-world challenges.