Trade Policy and Negotiations

Note: This course will be delivered entirely in Africa. 

Course summary

The course develops participants’ skills and knowledge in the following ways:

• Trade negotiation skills, presentation and communication skills
• Use of tools, models and data for economic and trade analysis
• The use, design, evaluation and interpretation of economic research
• The preparation of policy briefs, memos and submissions.
• International trade economics and the role of trade liberalisation
• International trade negotiations
• Issues constraining fairer trade in Africa
• Subsidies, tariffs and other trade remedies – policy objectives and economic implications
• Industrial policy and export diversification – policy objectives and economic implications
• The World Trade Organisation (WTO) – key concepts, agreements, debates and challenges including Trade Facilitation and African Integration and GATS
• Economic Partnership agreements affecting Africa including TFTA and CFTA
• Free trade agreements – policy objectives and economic/social implications
• Regional integration – policy objectives and economic/social implications
• Investment promotion strategies
• Case studies showcasing international commercial disputes and resolution mechanisms
• The rise of protectionism and trade wars in international trade
• Assessment of key methods of global value chains: Best approaches for Africa
• E-commerce in the African context
• The links between trade, poverty reduction and sustainable development
• Broader leadership and organisational management competencies to include project management, implementing change and public speaking
• Addressing cross cutting development issues (gender equity, inclusive development, ethics, transparency)

Inputs from industry to highlight/demonstrate contemporary industry environments/ processes and share knowledge are a valuable element of this short course.