Research that addresses real-world challenges in African economies has earned Prof. Mabutho Sibanda, executive dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF).
The rating, which is valid from 1 January 2026, recognises the research excellence Prof. Sibanda achieved during his tenure at the University of KwaZulu-Natal before joining the North-West University (NWU) at the beginning of this year. His research focuses on financial distress, risk management and the development of models that help firms navigate uncertainty in developing economies.
Prof. Sibanda says his research journey has been shaped by a strong interest in the realities of African financial markets and his six years of experience in investment banking. “My research is focused on understanding how financial markets and firms in developing economies signal, absorb and manage risk. I am particularly interested in developing quantitative and qualitative models that can help businesses, including small and medium enterprises, manage financial distress more effectively.”
For Prof. Sibanda, the NRF rating is not an endpoint, but an opportunity to expand his contribution to the academic community. “I see this rating as a platform and not a destination. It motivates me to do more research, mentor more academics and continue contributing to knowledge creation.”
Over the past decade, while serving in senior leadership positions, he has supervised and mentored more than 30 doctoral candidates and published more than 80 research papers.
His personal motto, “I lift as I rise”, reflects his commitment to developing future scholars and creating opportunities for others to grow.
Exploring health financing in Africa
With his research remaining rooted in finance, Prof. Sibanda is currently exploring how health systems in sub-Saharan Africa can be financed more effectively in resource-constrained environments.
He is investigating the intersection between finance, public health and political economy, with a particular focus on how governments can fund healthcare systems despite fiscal pressures and large informal economies.
“How do we optimally finance health systems in a resource-constrained environment? That is the key question I am working on,” he says.
Prof. Sibanda believes research should extend beyond academic impact and contribute to policy development and practical solutions.
“We need models that address real issues and can be implemented. The goal is to find innovative ways of financing critical sectors such as healthcare while responding to the realities facing countries across sub-Saharan Africa.”
Building relevant knowledge for the future
As dean, Prof. Sibanda says he is excited by the opportunities available to students at the NWU and the focus of the faculty on practical, solution-driven education and research.
“The programmes we offer are relevant, and the research conducted in the faculty is aimed at solving real-world problems. We continually adapt to the needs of industry while ensuring that our students graduate with the skills needed for a changing world.”
Technology also plays a significant role in the vision of the faculty. Prof. Sibanda says the integration of artificial intelligence across the curriculum is a strategic priority that will help students become innovators rather than passive users of technology.
“We want students to move from being consumers of technology to becoming creators of solutions. Technology is an important driver of our teaching, learning and research activities.”
For prospective researchers, his advice is simple: follow your passion. “At some point in your academic journey, you reach a stage where you can focus on what you truly care about and how it can benefit society. That is where meaningful and impactful research begins,” he concludes.
Prof. Mabutho Sibanda
