WTO Chairs Programme

International Research Conference on Trade and Development

wt — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 08:36:33 +0000

International Research Conference on Trade and Development wt Mon, 12/09/2024 - 10:36

WTO Chair Holder meets the Deputy Director General of WTO

wt — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 16:13:28 +0000

WTO Chair Holder meets the Deputy Director General of WTO wt Mon, 12/11/2023 - 18:13

UR among 17 universities joining the WTO’s Chairs Programme

wt — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 06:32:05 +0000

UR among 17 universities joining the WTO’s Chairs Programme wt Wed, 11/29/2023 - 08:32

Effects of continental free trade area in Africa on improving welfare and promoting exports among East African Community selected countries

wt — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 04:41:02 +0000

Effects of continental free trade area in Africa on improving welfare and promoting exports among East African Community selected countries wt Wed, 10/11/2023 - 06:41

ABSTRACT

Countries that sign up for a regional trade agreement (RTA) anticipate benefitting from openness through the increased trade. This research aims to evaluate how the free trade zone of Africa will affect the selected member states of East African Community (EAC) in terms of export promotion and welfare enhancement. Data for selected 5 EAC members (Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Burundi) from the World Development Indicators for the period 1997 through 2020 were analysed. Given that endogeneity is a common issue in econometric analysis, we will use a generalized method of moments (GMM) to estimate a linear dynamic panel data model while accounting for this problem of endogeneity. Accordingly, Arellano and Bond estimator (Arellando & Bond, 1991; Balgati, 2005) will be employed to estimate the specified panel model so as to identify the factors underlying export promotion and welfare improvement. We selected this model to take delight from the benefits of panel econometric analysis whereby they permit the measure of dynamics of the phenomenon under investigation. We will follow Blundell and Bond (1998) so as to adopt an autoregressive model with lag 1 (AR(1)) to account for unobserved individual-specific effects. Estimation results are expected to show the contribution of free trade are in Africa to promote exports among selected members of East African Community. We will base on the research results to highlight where more policy efforts are necessary to pursue free trade development among the EAC countries.

Key words: export promotion, openness, welfare improvement, East African Community, AfCFTA.

AUTHORS

Aristide Maniriho, Jonas Barayandema, Yvonne Umulisa & Pascal Kayisire

Effects of Imports of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages on Prevalence of Overweight among Children under 5 in East African Countries

wt — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 04:38:06 +0000

Effects of Imports of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages on Prevalence of Overweight among Children under 5 in East African Countries wt Wed, 10/11/2023 - 06:38

ABSTRACT

Overweight or obesity among children under 5 is increasingly becoming the global health concern. Predictions estimate that by 2035 almost 400 million children will be overweight or obese, imposing huge cost increasingly. The impacts include healthcare costs, loss or reduced productivity and premature death. The contributing factors of overweight include high-fatty products, high-sugar, and micro nutrient-poor diet, which are imported due to trade policies and agreements in place such as trade liberalization and trade openness. These imports, in one way or another lead to adverse health outcomes among children under 5. The trade plays a critical role in affecting the health of the population in a positive and negative way. This research aims to study the effects of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) imports on prevalence of children under 4 years of age in 11 East African countries (Kenya, Burundi, Ethiopia, Comoros, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe). To study the impacts of trade on prevalence of overweight among the children under 5 in EAC, we will use data from World Development Indicators (WDI) of the World Bank (WB), spanning from 2000-2022. As an empirical estimation method, we will employ the system of Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regression model. We expect that results will provide information for formulating healthy trade policies with the aim of protecting the health of the population. This research also seeks to contribute in literature on trade and health, which is not currently growing, with a focus on East African countries.

AUTHORS

Lambert KWIZERA, Olive DUSHIMIMANA, UWACU Florent & Francois Niragire

Digital readiness of Rwandan women entrepreneurs to tap trade opportunities from African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): A survey from selected Rwandan women exporters and importers.

wt — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 04:34:45 +0000

Digital readiness of Rwandan women entrepreneurs to tap trade opportunities from African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): A survey from selected Rwandan women exporters and importers. wt Wed, 10/11/2023 - 06:34

ABSTRACT

One of the objectives of AfCFTA is to promote and attain a sustainable and inclusive social economic development and gender parity where member states pledged to adopt gender equality by increasing export by African women. Thus, the main objective of this study is to explore the digital readiness of Rwandan women entrepreneurs to reap the opportunities and benefits resulting from Rwanda’s ratification of African Continental Free Trade Agreement. The study will adopt a mixed methods approach whereby a survey design will be used to collect data pertaining to digital readiness of Rwandan women entrepreneurs and it will be complemented by interviewing the key informants of official from selected institutions who are the major stakeholders in women entrepreneurship development. The finding of the study will generate evidenced-based recommendations for policymakers, government agencies, trade associations as well as other stakeholders whereby the recommendation will be helpful in crafting policies that promote digital inclusiveness, access to ICT training programs, provision of digital infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for Rwandan women entrepreneurs to flourish in digital trade.

AUTHORS

Samuel Mutarindwa,Josephine Mutesi,Gilbert Shyaka,Alice Mukasekuru

Drivers of digital trade adoption by SMEs in Rwanda

wt — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 04:25:11 +0000

Drivers of digital trade adoption by SMEs in Rwanda wt Wed, 10/11/2023 - 06:25

ABSTRACT

In the contemporary global economy, the rapid proliferation of digital technology has revolutionized the way businesses operate, communicate, and trade. This digital transformation has opened up new avenues for trade and commerce, leading to the emergence of what is commonly referred to as "digital trade." Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), as vital components of economies worldwide, are presented with both unprecedented opportunities and challenges by this technological shift. In the Rwandan context, where economic growth and technological advancement are converging, understanding the underlying drivers that compel SMEs to adopt digital trade practices is of paramount significance. Rwanda, known for its progressive stance on technology and innovation, stands at the crossroads of harnessing digital trade's potential to elevate its SME sector to new heights. As the global marketplace becomes increasingly digitized, SMEs have the chance to tap into larger markets, streamline operations, and leverage digital platforms to expand their reach beyond geographic boundaries. However, this transition is not without complexities. Factors such as technological readiness, regulatory frameworks, access to digital infrastructure, and the adaptability of SMEs to the digital realm collectively shape the pace and extent of digital trade adoption. In the Rwandan context, where SMEs contribute significantly to the economy and employment generation, understanding the catalysts that prompt these enterprises to embrace digital trade is pivotal. By unraveling the intricate interplay of internal and external drivers, this research aims to shed light on the motivations, challenges, and enablers that influence SMEs' decisions to incorporate digital trade practices into their business strategies. Through an in-depth exploration of these drivers, policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders can gain insights that facilitate the formulation of targeted policies, support mechanisms, and initiatives aimed at fostering a conducive environment for SMEs to thrive in the digital trade landscape of Rwanda. So, the objective of this research consists of analyzing the determinants of digital trade adoption by SMEs in Rwanda. This study adopts the perceived E-Readiness model to find out the determinants of digital trade adoption by SMEs in Rwanda. The PERM will be operationalized in estimating a profit model which include explanatory variables: Internal and external factors likely to influence the adoption of digital trade. Factors to be tested in the regression model include both internal factors and external factors. Also, a mixed-methods approach will be employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods deploying web-based questionnaire will be used to collect information. A survey questionnaire will be distributed to a total of 150 digital trade companies in Rwanda. The questionnaires will be distributed in the form of closed-ended questions with a 5-point Likert scale. Additionally, focus group discussions and 2 individual interviews will be conducted to gain deeper insights into digital trade companies experiences and perspectives. The research findings will be of paramount importance to know the most influential factors to adopt digital trade by SMEs as there is high potential that adoption allow them to access large markets and lower costs. Key words: Information and communication technology, Digital trade, SMEs,

AUTHORS

Benjamin Mudaheranwa, Jonas Barayandema & Leonidas Banamwana

Topic

Drivers of digital trade adoption by SMEs in Rwanda

WTO Chairs Program launched at UR to enhance trade knowledge and expertise in Rwanda

wt — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 04:10:01 +0000

WTO Chairs Program launched at UR to enhance trade knowledge and expertise in Rwanda wt Fri, 06/09/2023 - 06:10