Our Long Walk is an independent publication by economist Johan Fourie that examines South Africa’s economic past, present and future through evidence-based writing. Drawing on Fourie’s scholarship as a professor at Stellenbosch University and a leading figure in African economic history, the publication turns academic research into clear, grounded stories for policymakers, business readers, students and an informed public. It began as a blog in 2012 and moved to Substack in 2022, adopting the title of Fourie’s book Our Long Walk to Economic Freedom. Regular essays explore long-run drivers of prosperity and social mobility, using historical data, archival sources and comparative analysis. Topics range from energy and industrial policy to taxation, trade, demography, education, entrepreneurship and regional development. In 2024 it added an interview series with prominent South African business thinkers—starting with former Eskom chief executive André de Ruyter and concluding with Discovery founder Adrian Gore—to test ideas against real-world experience. The publication also tracks milestones in South Africa’s economy and offers on-the-ground commentary around major events, including the country’s G20 host year. With more than 5,000 subscribers, Our Long Walk has become a reference point for readers seeking context-rich analysis that connects historical evidence to the economic choices South Africa faces today.

Source: Code for Africa

Last updated date: July 2026

Location:
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Year the organization started publishing:
2022
Languages:
English
Type of coverage:
National

Content

Editorial coverage:
Generalist, focused on multiple topics
Type of content produced by theme:
Science
Economy and business
Journalism genres:
Chronicles and non-fiction
Journalism coverage types and techniques:
Explanatory journalism
Tech platforms and other mediums used:
Website
Podcast

Management and team

Founders

Female:
0
Male:
1
Founders:
Johan Fourie
Directors:
Johan Fourie

Team

Full-time employees:
0
Part-time employees:
1
Freelancers or consultants:
2
Volunteers:
0

Business structure and revenue sources

Organization tax status:
For-profit

Why is this profile included?

This media outlet is part of our directory because it meets SembraMedia’s inclusion criteria: it produces original content, serves the public interest, and works with independence and transparency. This profile was developed using information provided directly by the media outlet, through surveys or interviews. We aim to keep the information current, but SembraMedia does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness, and recommends verifying any key details with the media organization.

In SembraMedia we use own and third party cookies for analytical purposes that allow us to track, monitor and analyze your browsing and behavior to make improvements to the product based on the analysis made, as well as own technical cookies that allow the proper functioning of the website. You can accept all cookies by clicking the "Accept" button or configure or reject their use by clicking "Reject". More information in the Privacy and Cookies Policy.