Facilitating African Countries’ Participation in the Global Trading System

Abstract

Africa’s relatively low economic power has meant that it has had low participation in rule-and-decision making at the most important global economic governance fora, except the World Trade Organization (WTO). The consensus nature of most WTO decisions has encouraged African countries to participate actively in that organisation and seek to influence its rules and practice in areas of strategic African political, economic, and social interest. With the support of key technical partners like the Advisory Centre on WTO Law, African Members of the WTO have been able to leave their mark on WTO negotiations, as well as participate in dispute settlement proceedings as main parties and, mainly, third parties. The Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL) has also been actively involved in building the capacity of Africans in WTO law through its flagship Secondment Programme for Trade Lawyers and its sponsorship and support of the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition. Africa, World Trade Organization, Advisory Centre on WTO Law, capacity building, negotiations, TRIPS and Access to Medicines, DSU Review, dispute settlement, ACWL Secondment Programme for Trade Lawyers, John H. Jackson Moot Competition