Dr Mamokete Modiba is a senior researcher at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory, where she leads the inclusive economies thematic area. Her work spans several research fields, including informal economies, township economic development, urban governance, local economic development and just transitions.
Dr Modiba’s research focuses on understanding the socio-economic dynamics that shape urban livelihoods, with particular attention to marginalised groups.
Modiba says: “Sustainable growth and financial inclusion must be grounded in the lived experiences of marginalised communities rather than treated as abstract policy ideals. G20 finance ministers should recognise that macroeconomic decisions, such as interest rate changes, austerity measures and debt restructuring, have uneven impacts, often disproportionately affecting those already experiencing poverty and systemic exclusion.
“In the context of the Global South, achieving sustainable growth and financial inclusion requires addressing structural barriers such as inadequate access to infrastructure and services, spatial marginalisation, gendered barriers to opportunity and conditions that keep individuals stuck in informal, insecure and low paying jobs.
“Equally critical is the role of local governments, whose capacity to drive inclusive urban development is often constrained by national fiscal policies. G20 ministers must ensure that macroeconomic frameworks support, rather than restrict, local developmental mandates.”
