Ambassador Chiedu Osakwe Memorial Lecture

Ambassador Chiedu Osakwe was one of the first Senior African Directors in the WYO Secretariat, where he served between 1998 and 2016. In this period, he served as Director of Divisions of Accessions; Doha Development Agenda Special Duties; Textiles; and Technical Cooperation. He was also, special Coordinator for Least Developed Countires (LDCs) and Head of the Secretariat Inter-Agency Working Group for the Integrated Framework for LDCs in the Office of the Director-General. He was then appointed as Nigeria’s first Chief Trade Negotiator. Ambassador Osakwe served as the Chairman of the Negotiating Forum of the AfCFTA from June 2017 to March 2018. He was the Chairman of the Negotiating (NF) FOrum for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Negotiations and, the Chairman of AfCFTA Technical Working Group on Trade in Services, from June 2017 to May 2018.

He led the AfCFTA Negotiation Forum to the successful conclusion of the Agreement that established the AfCFTA.

Ambassador Osakwe passed away on 22 Spetember 2019.

About the 3^rd series of the Memorial Lecture

Africa’s position in the global trading system has been shaped by a complex historical and developmental context, with some progress achieved over the years. One notable milestone was the outcomes of the 10th Ministerial Conference (MC10) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2015. MC10 was a critical turning point, marking the first WTO Ministerial Conference to be held on African soil, and setting the stage for discussions that resonate deeply with the continent’s aspirations for development and greater participation in global trade.

At the heart of these discussions is the principle that decisions in international trade should be taken through a transparent, inclusive, consensus-based and Member-driven process. This foundational approach ensures that the voices of all members, especially those from developing and least-developed countries, are heard and respected. For Africa, this is particularly important, as it seeks to ensure that the global trading system responds to its unique development needs and supports its path towards sustainable economic growth.

International trade, when bolstered by appropriate policies, has been recognized as a powerful driver of sustainable, robust, and balanced growth. It plays a crucial role in fostering economic development, promoting industrialization, and alleviating poverty – all of which are essential policy objectives for African countries. The multilateral trading system (MTS) holds great potential to foster inclusive prosperity, offering opportunities for all Members, regardless of their level of development, to benefit from the global marketplace.

Strengthening the multilateral trading system, with a focus on inclusivity and fairness, is particularly significant for African countries. Their meaningful engagement and integration into the global trading system is key not only for the continent’s growth but also for the overall balance and welfare of international trade. The recognition of the unique contributions and value that African countries bring to the negotiation table is viral in ensuring that trade norms and rules reflect their developmental priorities.

It is within this context that the third series of the memorial lecture, in honor of the late Dr. Chiedu Osakwe, is organized. As Nigeria’s chief negotiator and a tireless advocate for Africa’s role in shaping international trade, Dr. Osakwe’s legacy is one of dedication to advancing Africa’s interests in global trade discussions. The lecture will explore the continent’s contribution to shaping trade norms and its future role in global trade governance.

Date: 27th November 2024,

Time: 1030hrs,

Venue: Strathmore University, Transcentury Auditorium

Registration Link