Deadline: Call for papers - International research Conference on Trade and Development

The World Trade Organization Chairs Programme (WCP)-Rwanda, UR-Sweden programme and the AeTrade Group are organising an international research conference on Trade and Development.  
The WCP-Rwanda aims to strengthen knowledge and understanding of the trading system among academics, citizens and policy makers in Rwanda by stimulating not only teaching and outreach activities but also research in the areas of international trade. It offers the opportunities to build talents and get policy-oriented research results and outreach activities to engage the stakeholders. In particular, it looks forward to conducting research that is relevant to inform about how to boost Rwanda’s regional trade integration with additional focus on trade policy and multilateral trade-related issues. 
The UR-Sweden Programme for Research, Higher Education and Institutional Advancement is a collaborative initiative between the University of Rwanda (UR) and Swedish universities, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Launched in 2002 and currently in its fourth phase (2019–2026), the programme aims to bolster Rwanda's transition to a knowledge-based economy by enhancing research capacity and postgraduate training at UR. 
Key objectives include increasing the number of PhD and Master's degree holders, improving the quality and quantity of research, and fostering the application of research findings in policymaking and societal development. The programme supports various disciplines, including environmental research, natural sciences, health, management , social sciences, and research support services. It offers PhD training, postdoctoral fellowships, Master's programs, research and innovation grants, and support for research infrastructure like ICT and libraries. 
AeTrade Group is an African social enterprise headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda with a central commitment to digitalize trade in Africa at a larger scale. The group encourages investment in small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) with a view to create shared prosperity and many jobs for the growing youth population across the continent. The AeTrade Group is founded on the principles of independence and sustainability aligned to the principles of Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030. AeTrade Group approach is partnering with various partners in academia, public and private sector as well as non-governmental organizations to create meaningful pathways for employment for youth in Rwanda and across the continent in order to participate in various projects and programs that accelerate digital and financial inclusion using various digital tools in e-commerce, e-payments, as well as e-learning amongst others. 

Deadline for abstract submission: 1 August 2025

For further information and registration instructions, please refer to the document attached.