By Shafa’atu A. Abdullahi
Professor MT Ladan, a renowned expert in African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) law, has been recognized for his exceptional expertise and selected to serve on the African Experts Working Group on Annexes to AfCTFA Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). This prestigious appointment was confirmed by the AFCFTA Continental Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, earlier last week.
Currently attending the inaugural meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Professor Ladan brings his wealth of knowledge to the table, particularly given his recent pioneering book on AfCFTA law, which extensively covers the scope of the subject matter under consideration.
The AfCFTA Agreement aims to promote intra-African trade, enhance cross-border investment, e-commerce, and protect intellectual property rights of innovators, inventors, the creative sector, and digital economy in Africa. As an independent expert, Professor Ladan’s contributions will be invaluable in shaping the continent’s trade and investment landscape.
The working group’s technical meeting, scheduled for a week, will focus on annexes to AFCFTA protocols, tackling critical aspects of trade in goods, services, dispute settlement, investment, competition, intellectual property rights, digital trade, and women and youth in trade.
Professor Ladan’s participation in this meeting underscores his commitment to Africa’s economic development and his reputation as a leading authority on AfCFTA law. His expertise will undoubtedly facilitate meaningful discussions and informed decision-making, ultimately contributing to the continent’s growth and prosperity.