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Industrial Policy, Trade Rules, and Security Sovereignty: Navigating WTO and Preferential Trade Agreements in Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Onogwu, Daniel
  • Omolokun, Taiwo

Abstract

This paper explores the growing tension between Africa’s industrial policy aspirations and the constraints imposed by global trade rules and preferential trade agreements. It investigates how the World Trade Organization (WTO) and regional or bilateral trade agreements restrict the tools African states can use to support local industry. The paper also reconsiders national and economic security definitions in the African context and examines how these evolving concepts can justify a broader policy space. The study argues that Africa’s development objectives require a rebalancing of trade commitments with industrial and security imperatives, proposing practical approaches for greater autonomy in policymaking.

Suggested Citation

  • Onogwu, Daniel & Omolokun, Taiwo, 2025. "Industrial Policy, Trade Rules, and Security Sovereignty: Navigating WTO and Preferential Trade Agreements in Africa," MPRA Paper 127164, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:127164
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mr. Shekhar Aiyar & Mr. Jiaqian Chen & Mr. Christian H Ebeke & Mr. Roberto Garcia-Saltos & Tryggvi Gudmundsson & Ms. Anna Ilyina & Mr. Alvar Kangur & Tansaya Kunaratskul & Mr. Sergio L. Rodriguez & Mi, 2023. "Geoeconomic Fragmentation and the Future of Multilateralism," IMF Staff Discussion Notes 2023/001, International Monetary Fund.
    2. Ha‐Joon Chang & Antonio Andreoni, 2020. "Industrial Policy in the 21st Century," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 51(2), pages 324-351, March.
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    JEL classification:

    • F5 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy

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