Africa must use global trade meet as platform to shine

As Nairobi hosts the 10th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference, with an average of 7,000 delegates from at least 160 countries, it is expected the event will raise the country’s global standing.

But trade is only an enabler of development since resource mobilisation is key.

Now that Millennium Development Goals have been replaced by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Africa must find its place in these global discussions.

Experts praise Africa for its economic growth that has been speedy since 2000. It is also said that out of the 10 best economically performing countries, eight are from the continent. Historically, Africa’s economy has been poor since the 1960s when political independence was realised and that is why poverty remains rampant.

However, growth has been experienced for the last decade when we have realised new economic structures by generating employment, increasing incomes and enabling industrialisation, needs that must be supported by deeper regional integration and trade.

Africa and indeed Kenya can proudly say they have developed in ICT as was noted by global leaders including US President Barack Obama who praised the M-Pesa technology.The continent must ensure it reaps big from the WTO conference.

Mobile penetration has risen from one per cent in 2000 to 54 per cent in 2012 and shows that African states are now more democratic, peaceful and there is improved governance providing an environment conducive for commercial activities.

However, some countries are still largely dependent on agriculture instead of modernising into manufacturing and industries.

A new vision must be embraced after learning from past mistakes, building on the current progress and strategically exploiting all possible avenues, among them trade between nations, which must carry agenda that are optimistic in nature.

This is the best time for Kenya to internalise its own development factors realising that problems must be solved from within. But first, common challenges must be identified.

SDGs suggest addressing issues on poverty, ecological balance and social justice, which hinder economic growth.

{Kurgat Martin, via email}

International trade is the determinant of economic performance globally. In a highly interconnected world, each country’s economic survival is dependent on how it works with the rest of the world.

Kenya is no exception. It is a proud member of the family of nations. We have been active in both bilateral and multilateral engagements with other countries around the world but the success of the deals has not been satisfactory.

A skewed global economic order has disadvantaged developing countries, including Kenya. Products from the developed world are highly subsidised or attract lower levies. This is the case with agricultural products.

The World Trade Organisation conference being held in the Kenyan capital should address the unfair global trade architecture. Developing countries must be cushioned against harsh economic requirements in international trade. The current trade deficit should be bridged.

Nairobi must not fail Africa on this.

{Benard Amaya, via email}