Prof David Luke Delivers a Public Lecture on “How Africa Trades” to Over 300 NWU Students and Colleagues

On 25 February 2025, Prof David Luke delivered a public lecture which attracted more than 300 International Trade students, academics, and members of the public.
The lecture, titled “How Africa Trades,” explored Africa’s rapidly evolving trade architecture, the implementation trajectory of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the continent’s shifting trade patterns. The presentation drew on insights from the book How Africa Trades, for which Prof Luke served as editor and contributed several chapters, providing key analysis on Africa’s position in the global trading system.
Prof David Luke is currently an Extraordinary Professor at NWU and Member of the WTO-WCP Team. Prof Luke is recognised as one of Africa’s leading authorities on trade policy. Having previously served as the Coordinator of the African Trade Policy Centre at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), he had played a pivotal role in advancing continental trade integration and supporting the development and operationalisation of the AfCFTA.
Prof Luke's contribution to the WTO-WCP team at NWU, strengthens the Chair’s focus on African trade, integration and trade policy. Through his teaching, mentorship, and policy engagement, he brought global expertise directly into NWU’s academic and research environment.
The public lecture formed part of the WTO-WCP Chair’s commitment to broadening public understanding of trade issues and fostering dialogue on Africa’s economic transformation. Prof Luke’s accessible yet insightful presentation provided students and practitioners with a deeper appreciation of the strategic opportunities and challenges shaping Africa’s trading future.