APORDE Podcast Series
The African Programme on Rethinking Development Economics (APORDE) is a high high-level training programme in development economics targeting policy-makers, researchers, academics and civil society representatives from Africa and other developing countries. The programme has been running since 2007 and is a joint initiative between the South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS).
As part of APORDE’s agenda of influencing, educating and reaching a wider audience, it has introduced an APORDE podcast series. This series draws on the community of those that have participated directly in both the international and national APORDE network of heterodox development economists and social scientists.
APORDE Podcast Series
Rethinking Development & Industrial Policy — Prof. Fiona Tregenna on APORDE’s Impact
In this episode, Thobani Khumalo speaks with Prof. Fiona Tregenna (University of Johannesburg; SARChI in Industrial Development) about the evolution and significance of APORDE—the African Programme on Rethinking Development Economics. Prof. Tregenna reflects on two decades of the programme, why exposure to plural and heterodox perspectives matters, and how APORDE and its sister course IPPM (Industrial Policy for Policymakers) build lasting professional networks across the continent.
The conversation then turns to why industrial development and industrial policy remain central to Africa’s growth—what went wrong with premature de-industrialisation, how to rebuild capabilities, and why state capacity is best developed through “learning by doing.” From trade and green transition to technological upgrading and regional integration, this episode maps a practical path for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners committed to transformative development.