Raphael Tabani Mpofu

Professor Raphael Tabani Mpofu is a distinguished academic and business professional with a diverse educational background. He earned his Honours Bachelor of Business Studies degree from the University of Zimbabwe, an MBA degree from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, and a PhD from the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom. His doctoral thesis focused on "The Impact of Trade Policy on the Competitiveness of Firms in Zimbabwe." Currently serving as the Interim CEO of Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, a non-profit company, Prof. Mpofu is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among UNISA students, staff, alumni, and the community. The organization aims to accelerate access to economic opportunities, fostering business growth while mitigating the risk of business failure. Additionally, he plays a crucial role as the coordinator and champion of a cooperation agreement between the African Union and the University of South Africa. This collaboration has resulted in significant research contributions to the African Union Agenda 2063 and the organization of impactful events, such as a side event at the 6th session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in 2020 and the 36th African Union Summit in 2019. Prof. Mpofu's expertise extends to his roles as a consultant, where he has provided valuable insights to numerous companies across Southern Africa. His clients include prominent entities such as Vodacom Group, M-Cell, Lafarge Cement, First National Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC/World Bank), Sasol Ltd, and many more. His research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including the Blue Ocean Economy, Economic Development, Sustainable Development, Incubation as a Strategy for Enterprise Development, Youth Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship for Millennials, and Social Entrepreneurship.