The Gambian Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, has urged African countries to harmonise their trade and investment laws in order to position the continent more competitively on the global stage.
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti at the 8th Annual Conference of the International Law Association (ILA), Nigerian Branch, Joof highlighted the need for African nations to overcome policy instability and internal disagreements that have long hindered economic growth across the region.
Joof emphasized that Africa must take control of its development narrative by using international legal frameworks to its advantage, rather than relying solely on other continents. According to him, global legal structures play a crucial role in supporting trade, protecting investors, and settling disputes — all of which are key to sustainable development.
“African countries must work together to harmonise trade and investment laws, align with AfCFTA protocols, reduce non-tariff barriers, and enforce trade agreements. A unified approach, including a shared currency and a commitment to regional integration, will strengthen Africa’s voice in global economic matters,” he stated.
He also noted that international law can enable collaboration across borders, promote technology transfer, and safeguard intellectual property, all of which are necessary for boosting productivity, reducing import dependence, and creating jobs.
Addressing current global tensions — including the US-China-Canada tariff disputes, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and instability in the Middle East — Joof explained that these disruptions bring both challenges and opportunities for Africa. He warned that many African economies remain vulnerable due to their dependence on raw commodity exports and must act now to avoid further marginalization in global trade.
Joof concluded by encouraging stakeholders across the continent to embrace reforms, attract green investment, and push for regional unity to secure Africa’s place as a leader in global trade and sustainable development.
Also speaking at the conference, Professor Damilola Olawuyi, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships at ABUAD, stressed the urgency of appointing skilled ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions. He called on President Tinubu to fill these roles with international law experts capable of strengthening Nigeria’s role in global trade diplomacy.
Olawuyi warned that trade disruptions caused by sweeping foreign policies—such as recent tariff moves by U.S. President Donald Trump—highlight the need for strong legal representation on the international stage.
