The Challenges and Opportunities Presented by Trade Partnerships between Africa and Ireland

Abstract

In this paper we examine the challenges and opportunities generated by Ireland's strategic approach to trade as an instrument for international development, as outlined in the Irish government's policy documents One world, one future—Ireland's policy for international development and Ireland and Africa: our partnership with a changing continent. An Africa strategy for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The policy seeks to move away from the traditional basis of aid, towards two-way trade and investment links with targeted African partners that can produce mutual benefits for Ireland and key partner countries. The policy advocates the use of a 'whole of government' approach, with the dual objectives of promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and protecting the most vulnerable populations in key partner countries. Through an analysis of the Irish economic-development model, we outline the policies and institutions that were required at the nationstate level to attract capital investment in export platforms, and to ensure that the benefits were appropriated and distributed to the general population, and that the basic rights of the population were protected. We argue that technical support to key partner countries is required to support the development of such institutional structures as Ireland embarks on two-way trade and investment, and diverts Official Development Assistance to public-private partnerships that invest in African nation-states. Such institutions are also necessary to protect African nation-states from undesirable outcomes from EU and African Economic Partnership Agreements.