WTO Organises Courses for Francophonie Africa

· There are currently 75 WTO members among the 88 members of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. This represents almost half of the WTO membership and includes developed, developing and LDC countries.

The WTO and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) signed today (27 February) a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on enhancing the participation of Francophone countries in the multilateral trading system. The MoU was signed by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo.

The two organizations have agreed to collaborate on trade capacity-building efforts, trade advocacy and development activities in Francophone countries, particularly in Africa and least developed countries (LDCs). The MoU also highlights efforts to help countries build resilience to crises such as COVID-19.

The Director-General said: "This partnership will strengthen firstly the sustainability, digital capabilities, health systems, food security and trade resilience of Francophone economies during this period of multiple crises. Secondly, it strengthens the capacities to negotiate and implement trade agreements, including regional integration agreements. And thirdly, it supports inclusiveness, outreach, dissemination of knowledge and promotion of academic research."

The Secretary-General of OIF said: "Through this renewed cooperation, we wish to work around major contemporary challenges related to trade, so as to contribute to strengthening the resilience of our societies, and to promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development."

Speaking on behalf of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors, Ambassador Ahmad Makaila of Chad said: "The areas of cooperation identified by the Memorandum are judicious and correspond to the current needs of our countries."

There are currently 75 WTO members among the 88 members of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. This represents almost half of the WTO membership and includes developed, developing and LDC countries.