There is uncertainty over whether the negotiating stance of the emerging economies will advance African interests. A strong African presence in World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations remains critical if Africa is not to be marginalised. A key African strategy should be to seek partnership with developed and emerging economies; Africa must accommodate partnerships with both groups and co-operate with them on the basis of common interests, such as trade facilitation and a least developed country (LDC) package, to influence the outcome of the WTO ministerial conference to its advantage.
