New South Institute (NSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alan Hirsch, NSI Senior Researcher and Director of the Migration Governance Reform in Africa programme, to South Africa’s Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC). Appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Hirsch joins a distinguished group of economists and policy experts tasked with advising the 7th Administration on key global and domestic developments.

The role of the PEAC is to provide informed advice to the President and the Government on economic and development issues, improve policy coherence and equip the state to respond to evolving economic challenges. The Council is made up of local and international thought leaders, including Nobel Laureate Esther Duflo, development economist Dani Rodrik and innovation expert Mariana Mazzucato. Together they bring expertise in areas ranging from macroeconomic and fiscal policy to labour, poverty, trade and sustainable development.

The PEAC, a non-statutory, independent advisory body chaired by the President, fosters structured dialogue on pressing economic policies and aims to facilitate their effective implementation. Members will volunteer their time over the Council’s term to provide insight on issues that include economic growth, job creation, and the development of a capable state—priorities aligned with the government’s goals.