Dr. Caiphas Chekwoti, the Head of the Trade Policy Training Centre in Africa (trapca) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Chair for Tanzania, made notable contributions at the WCP Virtual International Conference on International Trade and Investment (ICITI2024). The two-day event, held from November 5 to 6, was organised by the African Trade Group and the African WTO Chairs Programme (WCP).
The conference provided a platform for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange insights on emerging international trade and investment issues. Dr. Chekwoti, known for his extensive experience in trade policy and capacity building across Africa, was actively involved in shaping the dialogue at this prestigious forum.
Dr. Chekwoti chaired the session on Entrepreneurship, where he facilitated discussions on the critical role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and enhancing trade competitiveness in Africa. With his deep expertise and leadership at the helm of trapca, Dr Caiphas underscored the need for Africa to foster a conducive environment for entrepreneurs, especially in sectors related to trade and investment and the importance of equipping African entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of international trade systems. He also emphasized the significance of aligning entrepreneurship strategies with the continental frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to boost intra-Africa trade.
In addition to his role as session chair, Dr. CHekwoti also participated as a discussant in the session on Trade and Gender. He observed that while trade policies often overlook gender disparities, it is crucial to integrate gender-responsive approaches to ensure that women can equally benefit from global trade opportunities. There is a need to create more inclusive trade policies that empower women, especially in sectors like agriculture, textiles, and digital services, where women are often disproportionately involved but underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles.
Visit the African Trade Group and WCP’s official channels for more updates on the conference and future events. https://wtochairs.org/event/deadline-submission-wcp-african-trade-group-international-conference-call-papers