Riaan is a micro-economist with more than ten years consulting, research and teaching experience. He is currently associate professor in the School of Economics at the North-West University’s Potchefstroom Campus. He has wide-ranging knowledge in most economic sectors as well as economic development as a whole.

His research interests include social and economic dimensions of inequality and applied/computable general equilibrium modelling, particularly as applied to the African (and South African) context, with a special focus on regional disparities, labour markets, fiscal reform, tourism economics, energy policy, decision support systems, development planning and international trade. He has carried out consultancy work for various industries (both local and international), from governmental departments, financial institutions, private manufacturing concerns and international organisations, through to real economy institutions such as mining houses, freight transport companies and utility providers.

He has much field experience in Southern Africa, and has taught both students and development practitioners.