Takudzwa Mutize is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Economics and Finance at the University of the Free State, South Africa, and a Fellow in the Africa Fellows in Education Program (AFEP) for 2025 – 2027. His research focuses on education and labour economics, regional development, and urban competitiveness. Recent publications include “Attracting and Retaining Talent: The Policies of South African Metros” (Urban Forum, 2025) and “Does Moving Between Cities Pay Off? Economic Outcomes for South Africa’s Intercity Migrants” (Development Southern Africa, 2025). He has contributed to education policy initiatives with UNESCO, UNDP, and the African Capacity Building Foundation. Takudzwa is passionate about understanding how cities and institutions – including universities – can drive inclusive regional development across Southern Africa.
I am delighted to receive the RSA Start-Up Grant. My recent research has examined how South African metros approach talent attraction and the labour market outcomes of migrants. This grant allows me to extend that work by exploring how university towns can serve as engines of local innovation and economic opportunity – a question with real relevance for regional development across the Global South. I look forward to connecting with the RSA community and building on this pilot study to develop a broader comparative project across Sub-Saharan Africa.