Description

On the basis of a systematic accumulation of primary evidence, over a 15-year period, the book describes African trade policy behavior. Through the analysis of original data, African Participation at the World Trade Organization: Legal and Institutional Aspects, 1995-2010 concludes that there is wide scope for improvement in African participation in the WTO. Based on the current transitions in the global economy, the author encourages African Members of the WTO to break from the "inertia of a special and differential exemption orientation", align the trade policy behavior of African Capitals with the Geneva "Frontline"; and, ensure adequacy of deployed resources to three core areas of WTO work: dispute settlement; administration of existing Agreements; and, multilateral negotiations.

Finally, the conclusion identifies a detailed and pragmatic roadmap for African policy makers to maximize the benefits of global trade integration and WTO Membership.

African Participation at the World Trade Organization: Legal and Institutional Aspects, 1995-2010 is a must read for anyone interested in the factors, motivations and explanations that have underpinned the behavior of African countries in the GATT/WTO system of trade rules.