Genesis Analytics

About Genesis Analytics

Genesis Analytics is an economics and data consulting firm headquartered in Johannesburg. It started in 1998 as the country's first specialist microeconomics consultancy. Today the firm works on health, development and public policy projects across Africa and in more than 100 countries. Its motto, "Unlocking Value", points to a focus on evidence and analysis rather than general management advice.

Its clients range from governments and development funders to private companies. Economists, data analysts and public health specialists work together on questions such as how markets function, how health systems spend money and how a policy change affects ordinary people. For a young economist, that mix of research and real-world impact is a big draw.

How Genesis Analytics supports students

The firm backs students through the Genesis Educational Foundation Trust, known as GEFT. The trust is the educational arm of Genesis Analytics. Its aim is to support the education and professional growth of young people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, mainly in economics and related fields and in public health.

The GEFT bursary is a postgraduate award. Recent calls covered Honours and Master's degrees at recognised South African universities in economics, applied economics, development economics, behavioural economics and international development. Public health fields such as epidemiology and health economics also featured. Funding can cover tuition, prescribed books and stationery. Depending on the money available, the trust may add accommodation, a living allowance and transport.

Many bursars also gain a foot in the door at the firm. Some intern at Genesis during their studies and work on real health and development projects. Several past recipients later joined the company. However, the bursary carries no formal work-back obligation. It works more like a pipeline than a binding contract, and many recipients value the mentorship as much as the money.

What to know before applying

Applicants must be South African citizens from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Recent calls asked for a consistent academic average of 65% or higher. Because this is a postgraduate bursary, school leavers and first-year undergraduates do not qualify.

Opening and closing dates, the number of awards and the exact fields change from year to year. Therefore, check the Genesis Analytics website and the current bursary advert before you prepare your documents. Start early and gather your academic record. Then write a clear motivation that links your studies to economics or public health in Africa. A focused, honest motivation helps a selection panel see why your plans fit the trust's purpose.

Keep in mind that Genesis Analytics works on topics such as inequality, jobs and access to health care. A motivation that links your research interest to questions like these shows that you understand the field. It also shows why the support matters to you.