Africa and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Reform Imperative

Abstract: Amid trade wars and protectionist actions by world powers, the World Trade Or ganization (WTO) faces significant challenges in upholding multilateral trade principles, especially regarding agitations from the Global South. Developing nations, particularly in Africa, grapple with systemic imbalances that squeeze policy spaces and heighten vulnerability to unilateral actions by stronger states. The African bloc is affected by the paralyzed dispute settlement mechanism (DSM) following the Appellate Body’s obstruction in 2019, which disproportionately impacts countries with limited capacity. Protectionism and the minimal integration of development priorities have also stalled negotiations on digital trade and environmental issues. This paper argues that reforms such as expanding interim arbitration arrangements, facilitating access and special differential treatment (SDT), and creating dedicated platforms for regional trade arrangements could revitalize the WTO. Such measures would improve access to markets and align trade rules with SDG 17, enabling more equitable growth and inclusiveness for the Global South