African nations need unified trade laws for the continent to gain global importance, according to Gambian Trade Minister Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof. He spoke at the International Law Association conference held at Afe Babalola University in Nigeria last weekend. The minister highlighted how policy instabilities between countries hurt African economies. He urged nations across the continent to use international laws for their benefit instead of depending on other regions.
The conference focused on trade integration for sustainable development through international law. Minister Joof called for African leaders to create policies that build on continental strengths in agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy. He emphasized that international law provides rules facilitating trade, protecting investors, and settling disputes. African countries must align their national policies with AfCFTA protocols and reduce barriers to create a predictable business environment.
Joof warned that global conflicts like the US-China trade tensions and Russia-Ukraine war create uncertainty for African nations. These issues make Africa vulnerable because many economies rely heavily on raw commodity exports. The minister believes Africa must reposition itself strategically to navigate these challenges and use international trade rules effectively for sustainable development.
The conference focused on trade integration for sustainable development through international law. Minister Joof called for African leaders to create policies that build on continental strengths in agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy. He emphasized that international law provides rules facilitating trade, protecting investors, and settling disputes. African countries must align their national policies with AfCFTA protocols and reduce barriers to create a predictable business environment.
Joof warned that global conflicts like the US-China trade tensions and Russia-Ukraine war create uncertainty for African nations. These issues make Africa vulnerable because many economies rely heavily on raw commodity exports. The minister believes Africa must reposition itself strategically to navigate these challenges and use international trade rules effectively for sustainable development.
