Ease of Doing Business
The essential requirement for a country to grow and prosper is that it becomes more productive and, as a result, more competitive. Productivity gains, whether at the firm, sectoral, regional or national level, are the foundation for sustained economic development, job creation and improved standards of living. At StratEcon, we recognise that enhancing competitiveness requires a multi-faceted and evidence-based approach, tailored to the specific constraints and opportunities within different economic contexts.
Over the years, StratEcon has been involved in numerous projects aimed at improving and measuring the competitiveness of companies, economic sectors, provinces and government departments. Our work often begins with rigorous economic diagnostics to identify structural bottlenecks and inefficiencies. These insights are then used to quantify the productivity enhancements that arise from ease of doing business or red tape reduction interventions.
In some cases, improving competitiveness has involved streamlining regulatory processes to reduce approval times for investment and development projects, thereby creating a more enabling environment for business. In others, we have supported strategies to enhance digital inclusion, recognising that access to the internet is not just a communication tool but a platform for innovation, market access and service delivery, especially in underserved regions.
Additionally, StratEcon has contributed to initiatives promoting industrial clustering and spatial development, such as Special Economic Zones and regional development corridors. By encouraging firms to co-locate and integrate their value chains, these initiatives unlock scale economies, foster innovation through knowledge spillovers and improve access to shared infrastructure.
Ultimately, whether through policy reform, infrastructure investment or institutional strengthening, StratEcon’s work is grounded in the principle that improved productivity and competitiveness are not ends in themselves but vital pathways to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Some of our Larger Projects and Clients are:
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Western Cape Government Department of Economic Development and Tourism for assessing forty plus Ease of Doing Business / Red Tape Reduction initiatives.
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Productivity enhancements and competitiveness increases arising from public transport, such as the Gautrain and the Blue Downs railway line.
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The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services for the economic feasibility assessment of SA Connect, broadband infrastructure connecting government institutions across South Africa.
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Broadband Infraco for rolling out a broadband network across South Africa.
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Western Cape Government Department of Economic Development and Tourism e-Education strategy.
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Western Cape Government Department of Economic Development and Tourism provincial broadband strategy.
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The benefits of a Creative Industries cluster for the Fringe district in Cape Town.