Biography
Dr. Kiru Sichoongwe is a Senior Lecturer in Economics at ZCAS University and a distinguished development economist with extensive experience in teaching, research, policy analysis, and consultancy. He holds a doctoral degree in Economics from Peking University, China, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, ranked first in China and 14th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. His research focuses on industrial development, economic growth, structural transformation, international trade, innovation, agricultural economics, and broader development challenges. Dr. Sichoongwe has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles in reputable international journals, including Scopus-indexed outlets, and has presented his work at academic conferences across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. He also contributes to public policy debates through research and frequent economic commentary in the Times of Zambia, where he examines contemporary economic and development issues.
Professional experience
• Senior Lecturer in Economics, ZCAS University (2026–Present)
• Economics Lecturer II, University of Lusaka (2025–2026)
• Senior Research Fellow, DSI/NRF South African Research Chair (SARChl-ID) in Industrial Development, University of Johannesburg, South Africa (2023–2025)
• Head of Department & Lecturer II, Cavendish University Zambia (2014–2019)
• Research Associate, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Malawi (2013–2014)
• Statistician, Zambia Statistics Agency (2008–2013)
• Economics Tutor, University of Zambia (2007–2008)
Research interests
Research Interests
· Industrial Development & Structural Transformation: Industrialisation, deindustrialisation, structural change, sectoral structure, new structural economics.
· Innovation & Technology: Innovation, innovation policy, technological upgrading, digital economy, 4IR.
· Sustainability & Climate: Green industrialisation, renewable energy, climate change.
· Development Economics & Policy: Industrial policy, political economy of development, macroeconomics and industrial development, financialisation.
· Inclusive Development: Income distribution, poverty, employment/unemployment, gender issues, skills and labour.
Publications
Selected Scopus-Indexed Publications (Q2 Journals)
1. Economic Growth in South Africa: Weaving Together Industrialization and Foreign Direct Investment. https://doi.org/10.1108/AJEMS-04-2025-0280
2. Gender Gap in the Employment Share of Males and Females Engaged in Cereal Production: The Case of Zambia. https://doi.org/10.1155/aia/8546088
3. Infrastructure and Economic Growth: Evidence from Zambia https://doi.org/10.1108/AJEMS-08-2024-0458
4. Adoption Behaviour of Digital Technologies by Firms: Evidence from South Africa’s Manufacturing Sector https://doi.org/10.1177/09721509231190511