These days the continent has been rife with talks of countries joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), and politicians have been full of rhetoric regarding the benefits their nation would receive through membership. One has to ask here whether this is just another political ploy to tally up so-called political and strategic wins for election campaigning. If one is being truly honest, there is a genuine need for assessing existing trade relations with different nations and effort need to be made to see whether there actually is something to be gained from joining another international entity. First off, let us consider Africa’s role in the United Nations. True, the continent has 53 seats in the world governing body and two Africans have served as Secretary General of the UN, but to put it frankly Africa’s role, along with South America, has more or less been limited to that of token membership. The only power in the UN has rested in the Security Council, where African states have had the opportunity to hold seats but without holding any clout. The talks for permanent seats in the Security Council, though promising, fall short of really making Africa a true partner in collective security. For one the veto power seems to be an issue that will never be accepted and economic and military prowess often see to be the order of the day at the UN. To date Africa has gained very little in the scope of making trade a level playing field.
Looking at trade related pacts, Africa through the Lomè convention, the ACP-EU mechanism, AGOA and preferable trading partner schemes has again failed many times in calling for a boost in trade relations, which are often shrouded in political wrangling as well as ulterior motives. Whenever a particular African nation goes into a trade agreement with a multilateral institution, things have a way of going off the rails, a case in point is the agreement signed between least developed nations and the EU, which was designed to help fledgling economies of Africa and South America penetrate markets in Europe. The hitch here is that every member state has certain laws and regulations that discourage rather than encourage commodities from LDCs from entering their markets. The issue of subsidies is another area where the West used its power to suppress market penetration by poor countries. Subsidies give an unfair advantage over export products. A need to address this issue must become of primary importance if we really want to see free market thrive. There should be belief among trade partners that trading is not only about wealth building but also should be about development of peaceful international relations. Through trade economies thrive, creating job opportunities as well as self-reliance. No doubt today we are in an era where the gradual weaning from aid and economic support should be started.
Improved market access should not necessarily be seen as increasing competitiveness but rather a way in which products could be sourced from different areas. The customer would always be satisfied whenever he/she has greater choice in the commodities accessible to them. Banking, telecom and consumer products in general are the areas where consumers have been given choice and the continued competitiveness among suppliers have brought in value added products. trade protectionism should end if we are to see this world truly become a global village. Trade not only is a means of sending off one’s products for sale but also a means through which the culture of a nation can be promoted. Today nations are forever being linked to the products they bring to the world. Trade can no doubt play a great role in bridging differences among nations as well as bringing about understanding.
Africa, instead of signing symbolic trade pacts, should through its institutions collectively push for fairer trade. Unless Africa starts voicing its concerns collectively through one voice the continent will continue to get the shorter end of the bargain. A new era needs to come into effect where squabbling among African nations ends and a common voice for progress and unity begins. Africa has already signed onto several international conventions and agreements with little follow up as regards to their proper implementation. Africa, through a united voice, has all the clout it needs to push for its interests. Alone no nation can muster up bargaining power as competition from neighboring countries, which all too often produce the same commodities and tend to kill any chances of bargaining.
Research into whether or not existing trade agreements have had any impact on the trade of the nation needs to be furthered.
We should all ask ourselves whether signing yet another trade pact would really be any good. Sure the WTO opens areas for market penetration, but going into it alone will only indicate poor judgment on the part of African nations. other nations of the world push for their trade interests through multilateral blocs, which often have enough clout to demand changes. African nations which are already members of the WTO and those that are aspiring to be members need to come together to create a common platform within the WTO to address trade issues plaguing the continent. Similar views should be taken in regards to other relations as well. Let us not forget the maxim, united we stand, divided we fall.