Vuyiswa Mkhabela is an AfCFTA and industrialization Research Fellow at the Nelson Mandela School, University of Cape Town. Her research interests include the link between industrial and trade policy, Global and Regional Value Chains, supplier development and issues around women's participation in trade and manufacturing.

Before furthering her studies, Vuyiswa consulted as a researcher focusing on local economic development, industrial policy, and strategy development. Her previous experience also includes working as a Project Manager focusing on projects aimed at building the competitiveness of clothing manufacturers and pre-production and production skills development in the clothing sector in KZN.

Vuyiswa is currently working as Project Manager at the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufactures (NAACAM) focusing on driving NAACAM’s skills development initiatives.