Africa and the World Trade Organization

Description

Mshomba provides a systematic study of Africa as it relates to the World Trade Organization. He examines the WTO's enforcement mechanism; the WTO's broadened mandate, illustrated by the Agreement on Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights; agriculture in the Doha Round; issues relating to transparency in government procurement; and the endeavor to streamline assistance to developing countries through an 'Aid for Trade' initiative. The author integrates theory and practice, with a clear presentation of important economic concepts. He provides a rigorous analysis of key issues and proposals. He presents African countries as having an important role to play in the WTO, especially as they actively engage in bargaining through various coalitions. Mshomba acknowledges that WTO negotiations will always be complex and at times contentious due to wide economic and political differences between countries. He views the differences, however, as creating opportunities for a mutually beneficial exchange of goods, services and ideas.

Richard E. Mshomba is Professor of Economics at La Salle University in Philadelphia. Born and raised in Tanzania, he received a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. His areas of research are development economics and international economics, with a focus on African countries. Mshomba is the author of Africa in the Global Economy (2000), a Choice Outstanding Academic Book. He is a frequent guest analyst on Voice of America on economic issues pertaining to Africa. He has also been a guest analyst on National Public Radio, Irish Public Radio (Radio Telefis Eireann), Radio Netherlands and a number of other radio stations. He is a frequent contributor of op-ed pieces to The Arusha Times in Tanzania. Mshomba was awarded the Pew Faculty Fellowship in International Affairs, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, 1993-4. He received the 2005 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching at La Salle University. Mshomba travels regularly to the village where he grew up in Tanzania, where he and his wife are engaged in educational and development initiatives.

'Few know Africa well. Its immensity and diversity, its promise and potential, and its distresses and disappointments demand our attention and make it at once both fascinating and challenging. Richard Mshomba brings a writer's skill, an insider's depth and perspective, and an economist's knowledge to Africa and the World Trade Organization, which is central to Africa's trade, which is central to Africa's commercial progress, which is central to Africa's future. It will be my main Africa and trade reference from now on.' Earl L. Grinols, Baylor University 'This is a very useful and up-to-date book on the international trade issues confronting Africa. It will be informative for students and practitioners alike.' Douglas A. Irwin, Dartmouth College 'Can Africa harness the WTO to further its development goals? Or does the WTO place Africa in a policy straightjacket? Richard Mshomba addresses important questions and provides a most valuable new perspective that is both balanced and insightful. This book is essential reading for all those who have a stake in Africa's successful international integration.' Aaditya Mattoo, The World Bank 'As African countries turned outwards in the 1990s, global trade rules changed. Mshomba provides a balanced and comprehensive treatment of Africa's interests in the WTO. True to the diversity of the continent and the limits of its clout, this book embraces the continent's new ambitions and maps a way forward. A superb resource for policymakers, development practitioners, and students alike.' Steven O'Connell, Swarthmore College