hlalefang Khobai | Energy Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. hlalefang Khobai | Energy Economics | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hlalefang Khobai is a distinguished economist specializing in energy, environmental economics, and development. He is an Associate Professor at the College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg. Born on January 1, 1986, in South Africa, he has extensive experience in policy advisory, academic research, and consulting. With over a decade in academia, he has supervised multiple doctoral and postgraduate students. Dr. Khobai has contributed significantly to research on renewable energy and economic growth, publishing extensively in international journals. He has consulted for the South African government on climate change and economic policies. His expertise in finance and investment drivers impacting global energy markets has made him a sought-after researcher and speaker at international conferences. As a board member of the Economic Society of South Africa, he actively shapes economic discourse. His work continues to influence policies on energy and sustainable development globally.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Khobai earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Nelson Mandela University in 2016, with a thesis titled The Relationship Between Electricity Supply and Economic Growth in South Africa, which was awarded the Economic Research Southern Africa (ERSA) Prize and a University Merit Award. He also holds a Master of Commerce (MCom) in Economics from Nelson Mandela University (2014) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from North-West University (2022). His academic journey includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (2010), a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (2009), and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the National University of Lesotho (2008). These qualifications have provided him with a strong foundation in economics, policy-making, and financial analysis, shaping his career as an economist and researcher in global energy markets.

work Experience💼

Dr. Khobai has held several key academic and professional positions over the years. Currently, he is an Associate Professor at the University of Johannesburg, a position he has held since 2023. Prior to this, he was an Associate Professor at North-West University (2022–2023) and a Senior Lecturer at the same institution from 2019 to 2021. He also served as a Senior Researcher at Nelson Mandela University between 2018 and 2019 and previously worked as an Economics Lecturer at the same university. His career extends beyond academia, as he has been actively involved in consulting and policy advisory. He has provided expertise to the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the Department of Human Settlement (DoHS) on climate change and economic development strategies. Additionally, he is the Director of South African Economic Development Strategies (SAEDS), where he contributes to policy research and economic planning.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Khobai’s research excellence has been recognized through various awards and honors. His Ph.D. research earned him the prestigious Economic Research Southern Africa (ERSA) Prize in 2016, highlighting his contributions to the field of energy economics. He also received a University Merit Award for his outstanding doctoral research at Nelson Mandela University. In recognition of his expertise in economic policy and sustainable development, he was appointed as a Leading Expert on Climate Change and Central Banking in Southern Africa in 2024. Additionally, he has been a board member of the Economic Society of South Africa (ESSA) since 2019, where he plays a vital role in shaping economic policies and academic research. His work continues to influence the discourse on energy transitions, economic sustainability, and policy development in Africa and beyond.

Skills

Dr. Khobai possesses a diverse skill set that spans academic research, policy analysis, and financial modeling. His expertise in econometrics and data analysis enables him to conduct in-depth research on energy markets and economic growth. He is highly skilled in policy advisory and economic consulting, providing insights to government bodies and financial institutions on climate change and economic policies. His knowledge of renewable energy economics allows him to assess the financial and environmental impacts of energy transitions. Additionally, he has strong capabilities in academic research and supervision, having guided multiple Ph.D. and master’s students. His experience in financial modeling and investment analysis supports his work in global energy markets, helping policymakers and investors make informed decisions. These skills make him a valuable contributor to the field of economics, particularly in areas related to sustainability and economic development.

Research Focus

Dr. Khobai’s research primarily revolves around energy economics, climate change, and sustainable development. His work investigates the impact of renewable energy on economic growth, focusing on how energy policies influence macroeconomic stability and development. He also explores the relationship between climate change and energy consumption, analyzing policies that promote sustainable economic practices. Another significant area of his research is investment and financial drivers in global energy markets, where he examines how economic policies and trade influence renewable energy adoption. His studies extend to the global economic landscape, focusing on trade, globalization, and their impact on income inequality. Through his research, Dr. Khobai provides insights that contribute to economic policymaking, aiming to foster a sustainable and energy-efficient future, particularly in Africa and other developing regions.

Conclusion✅

Professor Hlalefang Khobai is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive publication record, government advisory roles, academic leadership, and contributions to energy economics and policy. His research on climate change, energy markets, and economic development aligns with global priorities, making him a highly impactful scholar. Addressing areas like citation impact, international collaboration, and research funding could further enhance his competitiveness. Overall, he is a well-qualified and deserving candidate for the award. 🏆

📚Publications to Noted

 

The relationship between energy consumption, economic growth and carbon dioxide emission: The case of South Africa

Authors: H.B. Khobai, P. Le Roux

Journal: International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 7(3), 102-109

Citations: 156

Year: 2017

The relationship between trade openness and economic growth: The case of Ghana and Nigeria

Authors: C. Moyo, N. Kolisi, H. Khobai

Citations: 95

Year: 2017

The effect of unemployment on economic growth in South Africa (1994-2016)

Authors: S.C. Makaringe, H. Khobai

Citations: 89

Year: 2018

The impact of taxation on economic growth in South Africa

Authors: K. Dladla, H. Khobai

Citations: 85

Year: 2018

Does renewable energy consumption drive economic growth: Evidence from granger-causality technique

Authors: H. Khobai, P. Le Roux

Journal: International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 8(2), 205-212

Citations: 76

Year: 2018

Dynamic impact of money supply on economic growth in South Africa. An ARDL approach

Authors: S. Dingela, H. Khobai

Citations: 73

Year: 2017

Renewable energy consumption and unemployment in South Africa

Authors: H. Khobai, N. Kolisi, C. Moyo, I. Anyikwa, S. Dingela

Journal: International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 10(2), 170-178

Citations: 67

Year: 2020

The impact of electricity price on economic growth in South Africa

Authors: H. Khobai, G. Mugano, P. Le Roux

Journal: International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 7(1), 108-116

Citations: 42

Year: 2017

Trade openness and economic growth in SADC countries

Authors: C. Moyo, H. Khobai

Citations: 36

Year: 2018

The impact of exchange rate on exports in South Africa

Authors: M. Ngondo, H. Khobai

Citations: 34

Year: 2018