Lyal White

Profile

Prof. Lyal White is the founding director of the Centre for Dynamic Markets (CDM) at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), University of Pretoria, where he is an Associate Professor in International Business focusing on political economy and strategy in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Prof. White is widely published in news media, academic journals and books, most recently as co-editor of "The Changing Dynamics of International Business in Africa" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2015), "Africa-to-Africa Internationalisation" (Palgrave MacMillan, 2016) and chapter contributor of "Africans Investing in Africa" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2015). He has worked in a range of sectors covering themes from investment rationale, strategy, competitiveness and general management in Dynamic Markets to reform, growth and development, and comparative politics in Africa and Latin America. He is also coordinating research and dialogue geared toward improving Africa''s political and commercial relations with Latin America and understanding the role of new players in Africa and the world.

Comparative political economy and strategic thinking in the context of International Business in Africa and Latin America are his principal areas of focus. Related to this, a key area of interest lies in understanding the exciting but complex environment of business in Dynamic Markets, and what is required by firms and individuals to improve their competitive performance in new markets. Through the lens of institutions and how institutional evolution underpins economic performance, Prof. White has developed the Dynamic Market Index (DMI), which measures and compares institutional progress and performance in markets across the globe. His research and writing emphasises contextually-driven strategy, which is evident in the many academic and executive programmes he runs, not to mention his advisory work.

Prof. White has lived and worked in South Africa, Rwanda, Argentina, Colombia, Morocco and the US, and is associated with a number of institutions across the globe. He has also taught at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia, Al Akhawayn University in Morocco, Science Po – Bordeaux, France, and at the Kelly School of Business - Indiana University. Prof. White lectures regularly at CEDEP in Fontainebleau, France, Strathmore Business School in Kenya, and was a Visiting Scholar at the Center for Latin American studies (CLAS) at UC Berkeley in the US.

Prof. White is committed to enhancing cultural understanding between countries and building commercial and political ties between Africa and the world. He is of the firm belief that strong institutional and cultural understanding will help harness development and long-term prosperity for the masses in these dynamic regions.

Responsibilities

As Director for the CDM he drives research, learning and networks in Dynamic Markets at GIBS. He also heads up the CDM Africa office in Nairobi geared to grow the GIBS footprint in Africa. 

Prof. White has a vast experience in ''on-the-ground'' research and advices on strategy, political economy, policy and general business practice in new markets – especially in Africa and Latin America. To this end, he has championed a diversity of initiatives and publications, and worked with a wide range of clients in various countries seeking fresh opportunities, requiring him to manage complex administrative and cultural issues, deeply conscious of the social and political dimensions (and implications) in the execution of the many projects and tasks he oversees.

Consulting Involvement

Prof White conducts a range of advisory and consulting services for both the private sector and government departments/agencies geared toward their strategy and engagement with Africa, Asia and Latin American economies.

Significant Achievements

Prof White was nominated to be a visiting PhD candidate from UCT to UC Berkeley in 2006, where he was also a visiting scholar at the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS). He has also been nominated for a number of Research Fellowships to China, Taiwan (two separate nomination in 2004-2006) and most recently for the SAFe Think Fellowship to France. Dr White was a judge for the CNBC African Business leader of the year awards 2013.

Qualifications

• BCom (US)
• MA (International relations) (cum laude) (US)
• PhD (Political Studies) (UCT)

Fields of Interest

• Political economy
• Latin American studies
• African studies
• Strategy and decision-making
• Development studies

Professional Memberships

• SAIIA​