Trade, Regional Integration and Industrial Policy

TARIFF APPLICATION (DTIC, SOUTH AFRICA, 2022)

WESTERN CAPE EXPORT STRATEGY (WESGRO, SOUTH AFRICA, 2021-2022)

RAIL ACCESS APPROACH (NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT, SOUTH AFRICA, 2018- 2019)

In the process of developing a rail access approach for the Department of Transport. The project aims to begin what is likely to be an iterative approach of regularising access arrangements between existing operators, which will then feed into wider policy objectives around access, and the eventual introduction of access regulation by the Single Transport Economic Regulator.

Specific concerns dealt with include access pricing methodologies, policy considerations as regards such pricing methodologies and who the appropriate funder should be, and non-price barriers to competitive access.

NATIONAL STATUS AND TRENDS ON BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT (B-BBEE COMMISSION, SOUTH AFRICA, 2018)

The B-BBEE Commission commissioned DNA Economics (in collaboration with Alternative Prosperity) to analyse and produce a comprehensive report on the national state of black economic transformation and trends in South Africa.

EVALUATION OF THE INTEGRATED STRATEGY FOR THE PROMOTION OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL ENTERPRISES (DPME, SOUTH AFRICA, 2017)

DNA Economics, in a consortium with SBP and the Rebel Group, was contracted by the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) and the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) to undertake a comprehensive implementation evaluation of “The Integrated Strategy for the Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprises” (ISPESE).

EVALUATION OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS INCENTIVES IN SOUTH AFRICA (DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION, SOUTH AFRICA, 2018)

DNA was contracted to review the entire system of government business and investment incentives in South Africa. The objective of the evaluation was to develop an overall picture of the system of business incentives across national government, to assess how it functions, and to identify specific overlaps or gaps.

TECHNICAL STUDIES IN SUPPORT OF AFRICAN UNION NEGOTIATIONS FOR A CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA (EUROPEAN UNION / AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION, 2017 – 2021)

DNA Economics was part of the consortium (led by GFA Consulting Group), providing short-term technical support to the African Union Commission in its own support of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) negotiations.

The support is primarily will be achieved through the preparation of short-term technical studies covering thematic areas including trade in services, goods, customs and trade facilitation. The study topics are based on the need identified by the AUC’s AfCFTA support unit or by AfCFTA negotiating parties themselves.

In addition to project management support, DNA Economics staff have been directly involved in the implementation of two of the studies, the first outlining Zambia’s trade in goods tariff negotiating options; and the second assessing the potential feasibility and implications of an African-wide common external tariff.

REVIEW OF GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES OF THE ELIDZ AND CDC (GTAC, 2016/17)

DNA Economics was contracted to support the Eastern Cape government with the transition planning for the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) and East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) to ensure compliance with the South African Government’s new SEZ Act. This entailed support on governance, institutional and financial issues.

TRADEMARK EAST AFRICA EVALUATION COMMITTEE (DFID/FCDO, KENYA, 2016 – 2022)

DNA’s Matthew Stern was appointed as the independent member of TradeMark East Africa’s evaluation committee for a period of 6 years. The overall purpose of the Evaluation Committee is to steer and advise on the monitoring, evaluation and learning of TMEA programmes at key strategic points.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ECONOMIC RATIONALE FOR A MANUFACTURING SECTOR SUPPORT PROGRAMME (DTI, SOUTH AFRICA, 2016)

The main objectives of this study were to assess the economic rationale for the continuation of a manufacturing incentive programme in South Africa, and to consider and evaluate the options for the design of such an incentive.

ANALYSIS OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE CFTA ON SACU (SACU SECRETARIAT, 2016/17)

The CFTA aims to deepen integration across 54 member states, and based on the number of countries involved, will count among the largest integration initiatives ever undertaken. Achieving such an agreement will inevitably be a complex task, while the African Union has set highly ambitious timelines for the conclusion of negotiations and the implementation of negotiating outcomes.

Given these layers of complexity, the objective of this study was threefold. First, the study aimed to provide detailed background on the CFTA process, and the RECs involved in the CFTA negotiations. Second, the study helped SACU member states understand the options and priorities within the CFTA negotiations. Finally, the study aimed to provide strategic guidance on negotiating approaches that SACU member states may be able to follow in order to achieve the best possible outcomes from the CFTA process.

The methodology included economic, trade and tariff analysis; partial equilibrium and computable general equilibrium (CGE) modelling of tariff reductions and a review of available literature on the CFTA-recognised RECs.

THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE (GEG) AFRICA PROGRAMME (DFID, SOUTH AFRICA, 2016 -2019)

DNA was the lead party in a consortium which awarded a contract to implement the second phase of the DFID-funded GEG Africa Programme.
The GEG Africa programme (GEG II) started on 1 March 2016; and was implemented over a period of three years to March 2019. The programme aimed to strengthen the evidence and facilitate dialogue within South Africa and on the African continent; around key areas of global economic reform and governance. The programme was structured into 3 theme areas in order to ensure focus and results:
•Theme 1: Development finance for sustainable and inclusive economic growth and the role of infrastructure investment and development assistance in Africa
•Theme 2: Tax and Transparency
•Theme 3: International trade and Regional Integration
The programme supported more than 30 research studies across these three themes, including work on regional value chains, e-commerce, investment and trade negotiations. All of these studies involved researchers from within Africa, and significant interactions between government and other stakeholders. This included workshops between private and public sector representatives to discuss the policy implications of the research supported by the programme; and a dedicated advocacy and communications component.

DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY IN SOUTHERN AFRICA: ASSESSING THE OPPORTUNITIES (UKHC PROSPERITY FUND, SOUTH AFRICA, 2016)

DNA was commissioned to provide a quick assessment of the priority growth concerns in 8 specified African countries, and specifically, the challenges encountered by these countries in the power, infrastructure and urbanisation sectors.

KWAZULU-NATAL EXPORT STRATEGY (DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TOURISM AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA, 2017)

DNA Economics was appointed by DEDTEA to undertake a review and finalise the draft Provincial Export Strategy; and to design an implementation plan and monitoring and evaluation framework for this strategy.

CASE STUDY OF FRANCHISE FINANCING PROJECT (THE JOBS FUND, 2015/16)

The Jobs Fund identified the need to gain a deeper understanding of the co-funded project providing finance for the establishment of franchisee businesses in South Africa. Specifically, the study seeked to: understand whether the project intervention (both financial and non-financial) lowers the risk to franchisees; determine the opportunities, challenges, and unintended consequences associated with the project’s intervention and business model; assess whether the project is additional to commercial funding or is crowding out other sources of franchise funding; and understand what impact the finance and training provided through the project has had on the success of new small businesses.
The study followed a qualitative case study approach, utilising input from beneficiaries of and stakeholders in the project.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED PROVINCIAL EXPORT STRATEGY FOR THE EASTERN CAPE (EASTERN CAPE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, SOUTH AFRICA, 2016)

DNA was contracted by the ECDC to develop a Provincial Export Strategy. The study included an international benchmarking exercise, consultations with government and firm representatives in the province, and a survey of existing and prospective exporters.

REVIEW OF CGE ANALYSIS AS PART OF ITAC TARIFF INCREASE APPLICATION (WEBBER WENTZEL, 2015)

DNA was contracted to review analysis undertaken and submitted as part of an ITAC tariff increase application by major steel producers. DNA’s review was undertaken to assist affected firms’ in responding to this application. The analysis involved a review of CGE and macroeconomic analysis presented as part of the tariff application, as well as the development of a more nuanced partial equilibrium model to help understand the potential direct impact of tariff increases on downstream users.

PAN AFRICAN INITIATIVES IN TRADE IN SERVICES (GIZ, 2015)

DNA was contracted to review recent developments in the area of trade in services across Africa, and put forward some initial ideas as to how GIZ could support the efforts of the AU to coordinate and deepen pan-African services negotiations.

SADC TRADE RELATED FACILITY (SADC, 2015 – 2022)

The SADC Secretariat awarded a service contract to the GFA Consortium, consisting of GFA Consulting Group GmbH, DNA Economics and Cardno Emerging Markets, to provide Technical Assistance to the SADC Trade Related Facility (TRF) programme. The TRF aimed to assist Member States in the implementation of commitments undertaken under the SADC Protocol on Trade (STP) and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the SADC EPA Group and the European Union (EU).

PROVIDING SUPPORT TO NEPAD IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONTINENTAL BUSINESS NETWORK (CBN) (NEPAD AGENCY, 2015)

DNA Economics was contracted to the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) Agency to provide technical advice and support in the establishment of the Continental Business Network (CBN).

SUPPORT TO THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND TRADE (TRADE ADVOCACY FUND, SWAZILAND, 2014/15)

DNA provided analysis and advice to the Swaziland Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade on the structure of the Common External Tariff (CET) for the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). This support forms part of Swaziland’s attempts to establish a National Tariff Body. The study included the use of a partial equilibrium model to estimate the impact of different tariff schedule scenarios on Swaziland’s (and SACU’s) trade flows.

BASELINE IMPLEMENTATION ASSESSMENT OF THE SADC PROTOCOL ON TRADE (STP) (GIZ / SADC SECRETARIAT, 2014/15)

DNA Economics was responsible for co-ordinating and compiling an extensive baseline assessment of the implementation status of the SADC Protocol on Trade (STP) across SADC Member States. This included reviewing and refining the existing assessment matrix developed by the SADC Secretariat; developing a framework for in-country assessments and synthesising individual Member State reports into a single consolidated baseline assessment. In addition to the consolidation of the overall report, DNA also undertook the in-country missions to Lesotho, South Africa and Swaziland.

PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDY OF LNDC INDUSTRIAL SPACE (WORLD BANK / BUROHAPPOLD ENGINEERING, 2015)

DNA was contracted by Buro Happold to provide support in undertaking a pre-feasibility study of Lesotho National Development Corporation’s (LNDC’s) industrial land and “factory shells”. DNA’s contribution to the study included a review of Lesotho’s trade and industrial policy as well as the use of “product space” analysis to identify potential areas of competitiveness.

SOUTH AFRICAN DTI SEZ PROGRAMME SUPPORT (HAPPOLD CONSULTING, 2014)

DNA Economics was sub-contracted by Happold Consulting to provide support to the South African Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the development of the framework for the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) programme.

This support included a capability gap analysis of existing zones, through reviewing existing IDZ and SEZ strategies and processes and by analysing current operating models and structures. The project support also provided discipline experts to assist in the formulation of frameworks and strategies for the integration of SEZs into wider economic activity, developing SEZ policy and regulatory structure and creating a single marketing strategy for South Africa’s SEZs.

This project support was funded by Irish Aid

INVESTMENT PROMOTION AGENCY PEER REVIEW FRAMEWORK (SADC/EU, 2012)

DNA was contracted to develop a framework and methodology for undertaking the annual SADC IPA peer review and outline the resources required to undertake the review, including personnel, administrative and financial requirements.

SADC LIBERALISATION OF TRADE IN BANKING SERVICES (GIZ, SADC, 2011)

DNA was commissioned by GIZ to assess the extent to which SADC member states are prepared for further trade liberalisation in banking services and to guide member states in the negotiation of appropriate and development-orientated preferential and regional agreements in this sector.

SWAZILAND ECONOMIC AND EXPORT DIVERSIFICATION (GOVERNMENT OF SWAZILAND AND AFDB, 2013)

DNA was contracted to advise the Government of Swaziland on the main opportunities for export diversification, and to identify the key challenges and constraints to more rapid economic and export growth. Specific tasks included:

• to assess the competitive strengths and weaknesses of the Swaziland economy;
• to identify the main opportunities and constraints to export growth, investment and economic diversification;
• to identify the main external barriers to export growth and diversification;
• to compare economic policies, initiatives and institutions in Swaziland to leading (developing country) exporting nations;
• to propose specific institutional changes, policy reforms and direct interventions which the Government and its partners can implement to raise competitiveness and support the diversification of the Swazi economy;
• to recommend direct policy interventions to reverse many of the underlying negative trends that compromise the capacity of the state and economy to raise productivity.

This project included extensive consultations in Swaziland as well as a survey of 400 prospective traders and investors. The final report was presented to various business fora and to Cabinet.

ASSESSMENT OF TRADE DATA LIMITATIONS AMONG SACU MEMBER STATES (SACU SECRETARIAT, 2011)

DNA was appointed to assist SACU in evaluating the systems, institutions and capacity in place for the collection and distribution of trade data in all 5 member states, and to assess changes that might be required.

SADC INVESTMENT PROMOTION AGENCY (IPA) ASSESSMENT (SADC/EU, 2011)

The Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) established by SADC member states vary in terms of their institutional status, mandate, experience and resources. The first task of this assignment was to establish exactly what SADC IPAs are doing and to highlight activities which they are performing well (and not so well). The second task of this study was to highlight potential areas for future cooperation between SADC IPAs, focusing on what SADC IPAs can learn from each other and how they can work together to strengthen activities and attract new investment to the SADC region.

POLICY NOTE ON SACU REVENUE SHARING (WORLD BANK, SOUTH AFRICA, 2011)

The main purpose of this note was to describe the key problems with the SACU revenue arrangement, the merits and potential outcomes of some of the proposed remedies, and to advise the Bank on how it might assist SACU members to adapt to a more equitable, efficient and effective regional integration initiative.

SADC TRADE IN SERVICES (SAIIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 2011)

DNA was commissioned by SAIIA to prepare an Occasional Paper which reviews the role of the service industry in the SADC economy, and considers the state of competition and regulation across the SADC in three priority sectors (telecommunication, finance and transport). The paper also considers the proposed EPA and SADC services agreement and concludes with a discussion on the likely implications of these negotiations.

SACU SCENARIOS AND LESOTHO (CENTRAL BANK OF LESOTHO, 2010)

DNA was appointed to advise the Government of Lesotho to on the likely options for the reform of the Southern African Customs Union, and to model and evaluate the economic implications for Lesotho of each of the potential outcomes.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF AGOA (DFID, 2010)

Undertook a comprehensive and systematic review of all articles and analysis published on the impact of AGOA and compiled a report on the overall benefits and limitations of the agreement and proposed potential improvements.

AUSAID TRADE POLICY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME (AUSAID, SOUTH AFRICA, 2010)

DNA was contracted by AusAID to assist them in the design of a new scholarship and placement programme to provide African trade negotiators with the information and skills needed to contribute to priority trade negotiations.

SCOPING STUDY: THE ACTIVITIES OF SOUTH AFRICAN SERVICE MULTINATIONALS (WORLD BANK, SOUTH AFRICA, 2010)

South African service firms are particularly active in Africa, where South African banks, supermarkets, restaurant chains, telecommunications companies and construction firms appear to dominate the regional landscape. There is however little information available to confirm the contribution and experiences of South African service firms in Africa. The purpose of this scoping exercise was to develop a comprehensive profile of the activities and performance of South African service companies in Africa based on secondary information available through the media, company reports and other studies.

SOUTHERN AFRICAN TRADE HUB (USAID, 2010-2014)

DNA is part of the consortium of companies appointed to manage the USAID Trade Hub Project in Gaborone, Botswana. The project provides extensive technical, policy and financial support to the SADC Secretariat and all member countries across a wide range of trade issues.

SADC TRADE IN SERVICES (GIZ, 2010 TO 2017)

DNA has teamed up with GFA Consulting to manage a two-year project to provide technical support to the SADC Secretariat in the area of trade in services. This includes the provision of two long-term experts, based at the Secretariat, as well as numerous consulting and capacity-building activities.

SACU TURKEY FTA (DTI, SOUTH AFRICA, 2010)

Analysed the likely tariff, trade and revenue implications of a free trade agreement between SACU and Turkey and made recommendations on the potential desirability of negotiations between these parties. Included CGE analysis of the economy-wide and sector specific effects of such an agreement.

SURVEY AND ANALYSIS OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN SOUTH AFRICA (WORLD BANK, SOUTH AFRICA, 2009)

DNA was contracted by the World Bank to undertake an assessment of selected professional services (accountancy, legal and engineering services) in South Africa. The main purpose of this project was to (i) obtain a better understanding of the markets for these business services in the region; (ii) identify measures to develop these services and enhance their contribution to development; and (iii) identify ways in which regional trade and cooperation can help countries deal with skills shortages and reform.

STATE OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT PROFESSIONS (COUNCIL FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, 2010)

As a statutory body, the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) is required to regulate the six built environment professions, and, among other objectives ”promote and protect the interests of the public in the built environment.” The proposed research initiative allowed the CBE to assess the overall commercial health of each of the six built environment (BE) service industries in South Africa. The assessment took into account both the internal features of each industry, and the external forces which influence its health.

SACU REVENUE ANALYSIS AND MODEL (SACU SECRETARIAT, 2009)

Developed a trade and revenue database and model and provided a training course and manual to officials in the SACU Secretariat to enable them to forecast future customs flows.

ASSESSMENT OF DONOR-FUNDED TRADE ACTIVITIES IN MOZAMBIQUE (GTZ, 2009)

Review of the focus, strengths and challenges of all donor-funded trade activities in Mozambique to assist GTZ in the design and implementation of its own interventions in this area.

IMPACT OF THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS ON AFRICAN COUNTRIES (AUSAID, 2009)

The aim of the project was to conduct research on the possible transmission channels of the Global Financial Crisis to 13 African countries and describe which effects are likely to be significant for the various countries.

EXPORT STRATEGY FOR LATIN AMERICA (DTI, SOUTH AFRICA, 2009)

Evaluated existing trade patterns between South Africa and a range of comparators and Latin America; undertook a survey of 150 exporting firms; and reviewed the export strategies of a number of successful exporting countries. Together, this information will be used to develop an export strategy for South Africa in accessing priority markets in Latin America.

ITAC CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING (ITAC, SOUTH AFRICA, 2009 / 2012)

DNA worked jointly with the University of the Witwatersrand to design and implement a post-graduate level training course for investigators and economists at the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) of South Africa, in trade and financial analysis. Through this capacity building initiative, more than 60 officials received advanced training in a wide variety of theoretical and applied trade concepts from South African trade economists and academics, as well as from international experts in this field. Successful participants received an accredited post-graduate certificate from the Economic Department of the University of the Witwatersrand.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SADC FIP (SADC/EU, 2009)

DNA Economics was part of the consortium, led by GFA Consulting (Germany), which was tasked to support SADC Member States to achieve closer regional economic integration and to work towards the harmonisation of the finance and investment sectors through the implementation of the Finance and Investment Protocol (FIP).

DEVELOPING A SERVICES STRATEGY FOR ZAMBIA (HAREWELLE INTERNATIONAL/ MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, TRADE & INDUSTRY, ZAMBIA, 2009)

Analysis was undertaken of a number of Zambian service sectors, in order to develop an appropriate trade strategy and GATS-type schedule for Zambia in regional, EPA and international negotiations. The work was done in support of the Zambian Ministry of Commerce, Trade & Industry, which is mandated to cover trade related issues.

SACU VAT PRACTISES (WORLD BANK; 2008)

The DNA Economics research team identified barriers to trade arising from differing VAT regimes across SACU member states. The research paper also quantified the costs to traders of complying with VAT requirements in cross border trade and made recommendations on how to harmonise practices in SACU. This research project formed part of the broader Regional Integration Research Study carried out by the World Bank in Southern Africa.

LESOTHO AND LDC TRADE MINISTERS’ MEETING (DFID PSP / GOVERNMENT OF LESOTHO; 2008)

Prepared a policy brief and provided technical advice to the Lesotho Ministry of Trade on the WTO Doha Development Agenda in preparation for the Maseru meeting of LDC Ministers.

SADC STUDY ON TRADE IN SERVICES (DFID / RTFP; 2008)

Contracted by the DFID-funded Regional Trade Facilitation Programme (RTFP) to assist four SADC member states to identify a service sector for priority negotiation in an Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union and to evaluate the likely impact of liberalisation in these sectors.

ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF NAMIBIA EPA (IMANI; 2008)

Undertook an economic analysis of the new Southern African Customs Union (SACU) revenue sharing formula and demonstrated the revenue implications of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) on the smaller SACU member states.

CASE STUDY – SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE IN HEALTH SERVICES (OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE, 2008)

Commissioned to undertake research and prepare a paper on the movement of medical doctors in and out of South Africa and the laws and other restrictions on such ‘trade’.

TRADE AND TRADE POLICY IN SOUTH AFRICA: RECENT TRENDS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS (THE PRESIDENCY, SOUTH AFRICA; 2007)

Reviewed the state of trade and trade policy at the domestic, regional and international levels and derived a number of future trade and trade policy scenarios.

EVALUATION OF AN APPROPRIATE MODEL FOR A SADC CUSTOMS UNION (SADC SECRETARIAT; 2007)

Managed and participated in a comprehensive economic analysis of the options for and implications of a SADC Customs Union for the region and for its members.

LESOTHO AND EPAS: ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS AND ADJUSTMENT (DFID PSP / GOVERNMENT OF LESOTHO; 2007)

DNA was contracted by the Government of Lesotho (through the EU-funded Poverty Reduction Strategy Priority Support Programme) to advise on the likely impacts of a SACU or SADC wide Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU on trade and revenue flows in Lesotho.

JOINT ECONOMIC RESEARCH PROGRAMME (AUSAID / NATIONAL TREASURY; 2007-2008)

Designed, facilitated and managed a joint research programme for the Treasuries of South Africa and Australia, including the commissioning of specific economic research of interest to both Governments.

REVIEW OF ECONOMIC AND TRADE POLICY OUTPUT (AUSAID, 2006)

DNA undertook half-yearly quality reviews of the economic and trade policy work done by AusAID’s three partners in South Africa: SAIIA, TIPS and Tralac. This included assessments of all work done and delivered with AusAID funding, the evaluation of all workplans submitted to AusAID, and ad hoc M&E support to the three partners and to AusAID as required. DNA was also tasked by AusAID to review trade-related funding proposals from other institutions received over this period.

INDUSTRIAL POLICY REVIEW (USAID/SOUTH AFRICA NATIONAL TREASURY; 2005-2006)

Reviewed the use and performance of a wide range of past and current industrial and trade policy instruments in South African and internationally.