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Call for Papers: 2026 International Conference of the African Trade Group (ATG) of WTO Chairs

WCP Chair in Nigeria on behalf of the WCP Aftican Trade Group issues a Call for papers for the 2026 International Conference of the African Trade Group (ATG) of WTO Chairs.

The overarching theme of the conference is "AfCFTA and the Geoeconomics of African States: Integration, Power, and Structural Transformation".

The abstracts are invited to be submitted by the 31st July 2026.

The Conference will be held on 9th - 10th November 2026.

Academics and researchers, Policymakers and government officials, Private sector actors, Development partners and international organizations, Graduate students are invited to submit their proposals.

Submissions can be made via https://icritr.unizik.edu.ng or by email: atg2026icritr@gmail.com 

More information can be found in the decument enclosed.

 

 

The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) marks a historic milestone in Africa’s economic integration agenda. Beyond trade liberalization, AfCFTA represents a strategic geoeconomic instrument aimed at transforming Africa’s position in the global economy.

In a rapidly evolving global landscape shaped by shifting power dynamics, supply chain reconfigurations, and the rise of regional economic blocs such as the European Union and Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Africa faces both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges. AfCFTA offers a pathway toward industrialization, enhanced intra-African trade, and greater bargaining power in global trade governance, including within the World Trade Organization.

This conference seeks to bring together scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and development partners to critically examine the geoeconomic implications of AfCFTA for African states.

The conference aims to:

  • Examine AfCFTA as a geoeconomic strategy for Africa
  • Explore its implications for industrialization and structural transformation
  • Assess Africa’s positioning in the evolving global economic order
  • Identify policy pathways for maximizing the benefits of AfCFTA
  • Foster collaboration between academia, policy, and industry

Contributions are invited (but not limited) to the following areas:

1: Trade Integration and Market Dynamics

2: Industrialization and Regional Value Chains

3: Geoeconomics and Global Power Shifts

4: Digital Trade and Innovation

5: Infrastructure and Connectivity

6: Finance, Investment, and Development

7: Governance, Institutions, and Political Economy

8: Inclusivity and Development Outcomes

9: Regionalism and Legal Architecture

10: Sustainability and Green Transformation

11: Peace, Security, and Integration

12: Case Studies and Comparative Perspectives

14: Measurement and Methodology

15: Future of AfCFTA and Strategic Autonomy

Submission Guidelines

  • Abstracts: 300–500 words (Time New Roman, Size 12)
  • Full Papers: 5,000–8,000 words (Time New Roman, Size 12)
  • Submissions should clearly state:
    • Research question
    • Methodology
    • Key findings
    • Policy relevance
  • Format: Microsoft Word or PDF
  • Referencing Style: APA / Harvard / Chicago
  • Submissions can be made via https://icritr.unizik.edu.ng or by email: atg2026icritr@gmail.com