Launch of the WTO Chairs Program at the University of Lomé
Minister of Higher Education Kanka-Malik Natchaba inaugurated the World Trade Organization (WTO) Chairs program on June 25 at the University of Lomé Presidency, in the presence of academics and ministerial officials. This initiative follows the selection of the University of Lomé as one of five new universities participating in the program's fourth cycle.
The Minister hailed this selection as the result of a collective commitment by the academic community. Professor Akoété Ega Agbodji , holder of the WTO Chair, stressed that this program will strengthen knowledge in international trade, enabling trainers to better prepare economic operators for global competition.
The program is based on three pillars:
- Research : Studies on the impact of the AfCFTA on agricultural value chains and the cotton value chain in ECOWAS.
- Curriculum Development : Creation of an international trade course for specialized masters.
- Awareness raising : Organization of conferences and workshops to share research results with public and private stakeholders.
The President of the University of Lomé, Prof Adama Kpodar , also noted the importance of trade for economic development, citing World Bank statistics on its positive impact on poverty.
Two round tables were organized during this event, addressing themes related to trade and regional integration.
