About Econ3×3

A forum for economic policy debate

Econ3×3 is an editorially independent forum focused on economic policy and inclusive development in South Africa. We publish analytically rigorous but accessible research, and provide a forum for engagement between research and policy making.

Accessible

Analytically rigorous but more accessible than an academic journal — getting research findings into the public domain and the media.

Independent

An editorially independent forum for ongoing debate and the publication of policy-relevant research.

Inter-disciplinary

Econ3×3 welcomes inter-disciplinary work and perspectives from diverse ideological and analytical viewpoints.

Why "3×3"

Three interlocking triangles, three intertwined challenges.

The three interlocking triangles and the "3 by 3" in our name reflect the interconnected nature of South Africa's major socio-economic challenges, and the integrated policy approach needed to engage them. We hope to support a "triangulation" of diverse data sources, analytical disciplines, research methods and policy focus areas.

  1. 01

    Unemployment

    Why work is scarce in South Africa, and what moves the unemployment rate.

  2. 02

    Inequality & poverty

    How income and opportunity are distributed — measured, and understood.

  3. 03

    Investment, growth & inclusivity

    The integrated policy approach needed to accelerate inclusive growth.

Our story

Econ3×3 was established in 2012 as part of the Research Project on Employment, Income Distribution and Inclusive Growth (REDI3×3), a collaborative initiative sponsored by the National Treasury. Professor Frederick Fourie, the project's research coordinator, served as founding editor from 2012 to 2020.

On completion of the REDI3×3 project in 2020, Econ3×3 continued as a forum for ongoing debate and publication of policy-relevant research under the auspices of the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) at the University of Cape Town. Since March 2025 it has been supported by SA-TIED (Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development), a UNU-WIDER initiative — a collaboration that allows us to continue publishing accessible research articles on South Africa’s employment, income distribution and inclusive growth challenges.

Academic research often fails to connect with a broader public, policymakers or the media. Econ3×3 has long sought to bridge this gap, strengthening engagement between research and policy-making to contribute to more effective economic and social policies.

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