Weliswa Matekenya | Quantitative Social Science Research | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Weliswa Matekenya | Quantitative Social Science Research | Best Researcher Award

Nelson Mandela University | South Africa

Dr. Weliswa Matekenya is a seasoned Senior Lecturer in Economics at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa. With a profound dedication to research and academic excellence, she has established herself as a specialist in Maritime, Development, and Environmental Economics. Her scholarly contributions are evident in her extensive publication record, research consultancy experience, and active participation in national and international academic forums. Recognized as an emerging leader in economic research, Dr. Matekenya has garnered prestigious awards and research grants, reflecting her impact in shaping economic discourse in South Africa and beyond.

Professional Profile

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Education

Dr. Matekenya earned her PhD in Economics from Nelson Mandela University, where her doctoral thesis explored the macroeconomic impact of ocean economy financing in South Africa. She holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Fort Hare, where she researched the effect of oil price volatility on South Africa’s economic growth. Her academic journey also includes a Bachelor of Honours in Economics and a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management and Economics, both from the University of Fort Hare. Her educational background has laid a strong foundation for her multifaceted research and teaching interests in economics.

Professional Experience

Dr. Matekenya currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at NMU’s Department of Economics, a position she has held since 2018. In this role, she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules including Environmental Economics, Development Economics, Econometrics, Public Economics, and Microeconomics. She has also served in several leadership capacities, such as Acting Head of Department and Chairperson of the Departmental Research Management Committee. She coordinates PhD and Master’s programs and actively contributes to curriculum development and ethics review panels.

Before joining NMU, she worked as a Research Consultant at Masutane Research Company, where she led data-driven projects, designed research methodologies, and conducted field studies. Her previous roles include lecturing positions at Educor and the University of Fort Hare, as well as serving as a Research Assistant in the Presidency of South Africa. Across these roles, she has gained valuable expertise in academic program coordination, research supervision, and policy analysis.

Research Interests

Dr. Matekenya’s research interests lie primarily in Maritime Economics, Development Economics, and Environmental Economics. She is particularly engaged in exploring the socio-economic dimensions of port infrastructure, ocean economy financing, and sustainable development strategies in coastal regions. Her recent projects include assessing the economic impact of seaports in South African regional economies and investigating the technical efficiency of ports in the SACU region using data envelopment analysis. She also focuses on topics such as climate change, foreign direct investment, financial inclusion, and SMME innovation.

Her involvement in international collaborative projects, such as those with UNU-WIDER under the SA-TIED initiative, has allowed her to explore transnational economic themes, including the role of Special Economic Zones in regional development. Her research integrates quantitative methodologies, including cointegration analysis and regression modeling, with policy-oriented perspectives, making her work both academically rigorous and practically relevant.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Matekenya has received several accolades that recognize her contributions to economic research and academic development. She was awarded the Emerging Researcher of the Year in 2022, affirming her position as a leading early-career researcher. She has also been a recipient of the Thuthuka Grant (2024–2026) for her project on the socio-economic impact of South African seaports. Additionally, she participated in the Black Academic Advancement Programme (BAAP) from 2020 to 2021, supporting the development of underrepresented scholars in academia.

Her active engagement in the academic community extends to international speaking engagements, such as the World Conference on Climate Change in Prague and panel discussions at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in India. Dr. Matekenya also serves as a peer reviewer for several journals, including the Journal of Chinese Economic and Foreign Trade Studies and the Journal of Shipping and Trade, and she holds an editorial position with the latter.

In sum, Dr. Weliswa Matekenya exemplifies scholarly leadership through her teaching, research, and engagement with economic development at local, national, and global levels. Her academic journey, underpinned by a solid educational foundation and a commitment to impactful research, positions her as an influential voice in shaping Africa’s sustainable economic future.

Publications

Impact of financing aquaculture on selected economic indicators in South Africa: cointegration approach

Authors: Weliswa Matekenya; Ronney Ncwadi
Journal: Journal of Applied Aquaculture
Year: 2024

The impact of maritime transport financing on total trade in South Africa

Authors: W. Matekenya; R. Ncwadi
Journal: Journal of Shipping and Trade
Year: 2022

Innovation as a driver of SMME performance in South Africa: a quantile regression approach

Authors: Weliswa Matekenya; Clement Moyo
Journal: African Journal of Economic and Management Studies
Year: 2022

Financial inclusion and human development: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

Authors: Weliswa Matekenya; Clement Moyo; Leward Jeke
Journal: Development Southern Africa
Year: 2021

Firm and product survival analysis: Evidence from South African tax administrative and products data

Authors: Syden Mishi; Weliswa Matekenya; Leward Jeke; Ronney Ncwadi; Roseline Karambakuwa
Journal: WIDER Working Paper
Year: 2021

Mircea-Iosif Rus | Emerging Research Trends | Outstanding Contribution Award

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Dr. Mircea-Iosif Rus | Emerging Research Trends | Outstanding Contribution Award

Nird Urban Incerc Cluj-napoca Branch | Romania

Dr. Mircea-Iosif Rus is a Romanian economist and senior researcher with extensive expertise in economic sciences, sustainable innovation, and research management. He serves as Branch Director and Level I Scientific Researcher at NIRD URBAN INCERC, Cluj-Napoca, and is an expert within Romania’s National Committee for Accreditation of Academic Titles. With over three decades of experience spanning academia, administration, and R&D, he has authored numerous publications and led high-impact projects in energy, construction, and eco-innovation. His research excellence is recognized nationally and internationally, particularly in applying blockchain and AI technologies to sustainable development and smart construction.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Education 

Dr. Rus holds a PhD in Economic Sciences and multiple postgraduate qualifications, including in Civil and Commercial Law, Quantitative Economics and Finance, and Library & Communication Science, all from Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca. He also earned bachelor’s degrees in Political Science, Economics, and Management. His multidisciplinary academic background combines economics, law, and political studies with applied research training. His higher education reflects a strong foundation in public finance, econometrics, business law, and communication. These academic credentials have equipped him to engage in cross-sectoral research and contribute to policy development and financial leadership in scientific and innovation-based institutions.

Professional Experience 

Dr. Rus brings over 35 years of professional experience, with a core focus on economic research and development. Since 1999, he has held key positions at NIRD URBAN INCERC, rising from Economist to Branch Director and Senior Scientific Researcher. His roles have included financial coordination, project leadership, and administrative management of national and European R&D projects. He also served as Economic Director at TERMOCAD SRL and managed wholesale operations at NAPOCOM SA. His strategic roles in research management and national scientific committees underscore his expertise in innovation, finance, and policy implementation in the construction and energy sectors.

Awards & Recognition 

Dr. Rus has received numerous awards for his contributions to research and innovation. His accolades include multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals at EUROINVENT, INVENTCOR, and iCAN exhibitions for pioneering work in green buildings, AI in construction, and sustainable composite materials. He has been honored by prestigious institutions such as the Romanian Inventors Forum, the Polytechnic University of Timișoara, and international associations. His innovative work on blockchain, R&D governance, and alternative energy has earned Diplomas of Excellence and Special Awards for impact, creativity, and interdisciplinary contribution across the fields of engineering, economics, and environmental sustainability.

Research Skills

Dr. Rus is skilled in designing, managing, and evaluating complex research and development initiatives. His expertise includes economic modeling, cost-benefit analysis, and financial oversight in scientific projects. He specializes in sustainability-focused research, integrating AI, blockchain, and composite materials into smart urban infrastructure. His experience spans national core programs, EU-funded projects, and cross-disciplinary research involving economics, engineering, and policy. He is adept in research communication, strategic innovation management, and quantitative analysis, demonstrated through his extensive publications and active participation in accredited exhibitions. As a certified project and innovation manager, he advances research that bridges academic inquiry and real-world technological solutions.

Publications

Inflaţia în România în perioada de tranziţie

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Vol. Specializare, Integrare si Dezvoltare, Editura Sincron, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2003

Finanţarea activităţii de cercetare-dezvoltare. Studiu comparativ

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Sesiunea de Comunicări Ştiinţifice a Facultăţii de Ştiinţe Economice, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2004

Politici monetare aplicate în România în perioada tranziţiei

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Sesiunea de Comunicări Ştiinţifice a Facultăţii de Ştiinţe Economice, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2004

Ţintirea directă a inflaţiei. Studiu comparativ

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Vol. Lumea Financiară – Prezent şi Perspective, Casa Cărţii de Ştiinţă, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2004

Analiza comparativă a metodelor utilizate pe plan internaţional pentru estimarea costurilor şi formarea preţurilor în activitatea de construcţii

Authors: Rus M.-I., Simion C., Enulescu C.
Journal/Source: Acta Technica Napocensis, Proceedings of the International Conference, Constructions 2008, Editura Napoca Star, Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2008

Research and its place in economical development

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Acta Technica Napocensis, Nr. 53, Editura Universităţii Tehnice Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2010

Fields of research activity

Authors: Rus M.-I.
Journal/Source: Acta Technica Napocensis, Nr. 53, Editura Universităţii Tehnice Cluj-Napoca
Year: 2010