Please note that we receive many high-quality applications and that, as a result, entry into APORDE is very competitive (only 30 applicants will be selected). It is therefore important that applicants complete and submit all the required documentation. 

APORDE is an initiative of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) with the support of Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS). Previous APORDE lecturers include among others the internationally renowned economist Ha-Joon Chang (SOAS, University of London) as well as leading lecturers from SOAS and Cambridge University. 

What previous participants have said about the course: 

  • It touches on the most important developmental aspects which are critical to African Countries. 
  • The knowledge acquired from the course has changed my attitude towards Industrial Policy. 
  • The course provided an in-depth understanding of development issues at work. 
  • Great course, great lecturers, great everyone. 
  • My work focuses on research for policy analysis & recommendations at a sectoral, national and sometimes continental level. Incredibly relevant. 
  • APORDE is very important for both my personal and career development as it critically analyses development issues, I am passionate about development  

We encourage anyone with an interest in development to read and distribute this call for applications. 

APORDE 2024 will be held in-person from the 2nd to 13th September 2024. 

The following costs will be covered for all participants selected for the programme – flights, accommodation, conference fee and per diem. The seminar is scheduled to take place at a venue in Muldersdrift (outside Johannesburg / Pretoria), South Africa.

Application Process

Applicants must demonstrate first-class intellectual capacity and (at least some) prior knowledge in economics/political economy, as well as proficiency in English. The objective of APORDE is to attract participants from a broad range of backgrounds and preference will be given to persons who have demonstrated exceptional capacity in their professional experience. 

Participants will be drawn from Africa, but we welcome applications from Asians, Middle Easterns and Latin Americans who have research or work experience related to Africa. 

The following documents should be uploaded: 

  • An official transcript (showing courses taken and grades obtained); 
  • A certificate of the highest qualification 
  • A recent curriculum vitae not exceeding five pages in length 
  • Two current letters of reference, where possible one academic referee and one professional 
  • For those whose main medium of instruction or work is not English, proof of English proficiency will be necessary. Results of Standard English proficiency tests (e.g. sample of written work in English). 

The application process also requires you to complete the motivation to attend APORDE. The form is on the website. 

Once you have completed the online application and uploaded all the required documents, you can confirm receipt of the application by emailing: aporde@tips.org.za 

Applications will close on Friday 10th May 2024 at 8 o’clock in the morning, Johannesburg time. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. 

Candidates will be notified by E-mail of the outcome of their applications by 31st May 2024

Should you have any queries, please contact Rozale (rozale@tips.org.za