The various implications of the Uruguay Round, concluded in 1993, and the World Trade Organization (WTO), continue to arouse great concern in Africa. There are growing fears for Africa’s continued marginalization in a global economy. Several technical assistance programmes have been initiated to alleviate the concern of poorer countries. African States now also clearly recognize the need to promote a united front. To reverse Africa’s declining share of global trade African States must diversify their industries and improve the quality of their products. It is now imperative to move much faster towards the goal of an African free trade area. Participation in the globalization of production requires active encouragement of intercountry industrial linkages. An expanded national and regional infrastructure is crucial for promoting improved productivity and competitiveness. Policy, institutional and managerial obstacles to full implementation of the 1991 Abuja Treaty establishing the African Economic Community (AEC) need to be removed. In this respect a well-structured and efficient OAU/AEC Secretariat is a sine qua non for success. Ref., sum. in French.
