Bridging Borders: Technology, Trade, and Africa’s Renaissance

The National University of Lesotho – WTO Research Chair’s 3rd Annual Conference, held from 10th to 11th October 2024, convened under the theme “Bridging Borders: Technology, Trade, and Africa’s Renaissance”, brought together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to explore the dynamic interplay between technological advancement and international trade in the African context.
Anchored in the aspirations of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly Goals 9 and 17—the conference examined how investments in technology can catalyze trade, enhance productivity, and foster inclusive development across the continent. It also addressed the reciprocal role of open trade in facilitating technology transfer and capacity building in Africa.
The conference featured 20 competitively selected technical papers from a pool of 98 submissions, grouped into six thematic sections:
1. ICT and Trade Outcomes
2. Blockchain Technology, AI and Trade Outcomes
3. Human Capital, ICT Development and International Trade Outcomes
4. Regulatory Frameworks, Digital Governance and International Trade Outcomes
5. Climate Variability, Technology and Trade
6. Digital Technology, Regional Integration and International Trade Outcomes
Participants engaged in critical discussions on the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation, including the implications of AI, e-commerce, and data governance for African economies. The conference also highlighted the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasizing how technology can accelerate its implementation and integration goals.
With international participation and sponsorship support for presenters from Zimbabwe and Eswatini, the event reinforced the importance of collaborative research and policy dialogue in shaping Africa’s trade and technology future.