Omar Bah
The Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, highlighted the need for harmonizing trade and investment laws across Africa during his speech at the 8th Annual Conference of the International Law Association in Nigeria. He expressed concern over policy instabilities affecting the continent’s economy and urged African nations to unite to leverage international laws.
Joof emphasized the importance of creating a seamless business environment by aligning national policies with AfCFTA protocols, reducing non-tariff barriers, and promoting a single currency. He argued that strengthening trade laws would enhance productivity, reduce import dependency, and create jobs.
He also discussed the challenges posed by global instability, including trade wars and regional conflicts, which present both risks and opportunities for Africa. He called for strategic repositioning to harness international trade rules for sustainable development, advocating for dispute resolution reforms and regional unity to ensure Africa thrives in the global economy.
