Implementing regional trade agreements in Africa
The programme provides an in-depth analysis of the political economy dimension underpinning African regional and economic integration as well as historical perspectives behind African trade and economic integration.
If further recasts the concept of preferential in international trade within a broader discourse on the relationship between regionalism and multilateralism. Furthermore, it interrogates the notion of sovereignty in an integrating world as well as the emergence of nationalism as a corollary to trade and economic integration. Moreover, the programme assesses the level of ambition set out in African regional trade agreements as against regulatory realities not subject to RTA disciplines as well as the implications of shifting the approach to trade among nations to the bilateral level.
The case studies cover SADC, EAC, COMESA, TRIPARTITE, UEMOA, ECOWAS, IGAD, ECCAS, proposed CFTA, SACU etc. The programme makes further use of case studies involving trade arrangements between Africa and third parties such as EPA, EBA, AGOA and various GSP schemes. Moreover, it involves regional and economic integration experiences and recent developments from other regions including plurilateral and mega-regionals and their relevance and impact on African Regional trade and economic integration
Officials from Trade and Trade Related Ministries and parastatals, officials from Regional Economic Communities, Negotiators, and Regional Integration Practitioners. Ministries of law including attorney general offices, ministries of foreign affairs, ministries of trade and finance etc
At the end of the programme, participants will be able to:
- Analyze the economic and legal frameworks of regional trade agreements, examining their provisions, institutional structures, dispute settlement mechanisms, and decision-making processes;
- Develop strategies and policies that leverage the economic and legal aspects of regional trade arrangements to maximize their benefits, minimize challenges, and enhance the position of African countries in regional and global trade dynamics;
- Analyze the challenges, barriers, and potential benefits of trade liberalization and economic integration within the African context, considering diverse perspectives and stakeholder interests;
- Analyze the institutional frameworks, policies, and regulations governing African regional integration trading schemes, identifying their strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement;
- Discuss multi-dimensional approaches to regional trade and economic integration.