Dr Sandra Makumbirofa is an economist with ten years of experience in economic research and project management, as well as extensive experience in quantitative analysis, including economic impact assessments, value chain analyses, indicator design and qualitative studies. She has worked at Research ICT Africa, Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), primarily undertaking research for the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society Research Unit (TREES) at North-West University. She has led research initiatives across Africa on diverse topics, including AI governance, digital policy, digital trade, industrial policy, trade policy and sustainable resource management. Sandra has served a wide range of clients, focusing on development organisations and government entities while successfully delivering projects for private sector actors. At RIA, Sandra is leading strategic consultation projects for evidence-based AI Economic policy and regulation. She is also a researcher contributing to the mobile data price index (RAMP Index), the digital trade project and cross-border flow mapping under the AfCFTA, while providing ongoing contributions to RIA's After Access surveys. She does this while maintaining relationships with digital and economic policy clients. She holds a PhD in Economics from North-West University and has authored several policy papers and scientific research articles in high-impact journals.
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