There is no doubt that trade, in combination with appropriate domestic policies, could be used to reduce poverty and foster development. Unfortunately this potential has not materialised in Africa, partly as a result of some harmful trade practices by rich countries which are allowed under current WTO rules. Launching the WTO Doha round in Qatar?s capital city in November 2001, trade ministers and experts declared their determination and commitment to liberalize trade so that the WTO system plays its full part in promoting recovery, growth and development. The Doha Development Agenda, was the first multilateral trade negotiation specifically dedicated to improving the trading environment for developing countries. After ten years on, many believe the outlines of this trade negotiations offer a great deal for developing countries. Many others take the view that the results to date have been disappointing.
This study looks at what is at stake in the Doha Development Round for developing countries and Least Developed Countries focusing on African Countries. It seeks to analyze the development dimension of the current trade round and the potential benefits of a successful completion vis-?-vis concerns from African member countries in the WTO regarding Agriculture, Cotton issues, NAMA and TRIPS. The research findings are that there is no specific development formula for African countries in WTO, however, a completed Doha agreement will improve Africa?s market access and help African countries follow principles of sound economic policy. It will eliminate distorting export subsidies for agricultural goods by developed countries and also improve business confidence of the Private Sector in African countries
