The Trade Law Centre (tralac) organised a webinar on 8 November 2021 focusing on specific developments related to negotiations at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Agriculture, Special and Differential Treatment, and Fisheries. This webinar was organised in the context of increasing recognition of the important role of multilateral cooperation and governance in areas related to international trade and other global developments, such as climate change and the impact of COVID-19. The webinar provided a discussion and lessons from WTO experience which can be used in implementation of the ambitious African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.

Speakers in this webinar reminded us of how important the multilateral trade governance agenda is, especially for developing countries and LDCs. Issues such as S&DT, definitions, differentiation among developing countries, as well as cross cutting issues are extremely important in reaching any agreement. The linkages, sequencing, and complexity of the challenges being faced should not be underestimated; the implications will be felt not only in terms of Africa’s trade with global partners, but also trade within the continent itself.

Speakers

Agriculture

• Dr Edwini Kessie, Director, Agriculture and Commodities, WTO

• Peter Lunenborg, Senior Programme Officer, The South Centre

Special and differential treatment (S&DT)

• Rashid Kaukab, Executive Director, CUTS International, Geneva

Fisheries negotiations

• Ms Kedibone Machiu, Director, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, South Africa

• Dr. Radika Kumar, Adviser, Infrastructure Policy, Trade, Oceans and Natural Resources Directorate, The Commonwealth Secretariat