Introduction

Hello, my name is Nortei Neku Ocran. If you can’t pronounce it just call me Sam. I graduated from Ashesi University College in Ghana (http://www.ashesi.edu.gh/) in December 2007. Ashesi has changed my life. Today, I find myself thinking of ways I can contribute to the development of my continent Africa.

I created this blog because I believe that one way Africa can develop economically is through trade. Africa currently contributes barely 3% to global trade and this prevents her from reaping the economic benefits that are gained from actively participating in global trade. This blog (as the name suggests) is basically to discuss various ways by which Africa can increase its share in global trade.

The main causes of Africa’s little contribution to global trade stem from Africa herself. The solution to our poor contribution is not only reduced tariffs by developed countries or simply adopting policies that have worked elsewhere. The solution will require a lot more in order to prevent problems such as Outdated customs procedures, High transport costs and Lack of transparency in import and export procudures.

Many problems have been identified as the causes of Africa’s poor contribution, but the purpose of this blog is not to simply repeat the problems and play the blame game but to lay foundations for research and implementation of efficient and effective trade policy measures in an attempt to enhance economic development in Africa. It is essential that African countries understand the fundamental and unique nature of their problems in order to generate unique solutions rather than adopt solutions that have succeeded elsewhere in the world.

Some of the issues that will be discussed include: Customs Modernization, Trade Facilitation, Small & Medium Scale Enterprises Development (SME Development), Challenges of Landlocked Countries etc.