Sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to be a critical driver of inclusive economic growth and job creation across Africa. However, attracting and retaining investment that supports sustainable development has become increasingly challenging. Many African countries also face technical and institutional capacity constraints that may hinder the effective implementation of investment facilitation measures.
Bilateral, regional and multilateral international frameworks – including the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment and the WTO Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement – can offer valuable tools and institutional support to address on-the-ground challenges and promote sustainable investment. However, the implementation of their commitments through a sustainable development lens is key in maximizing their potential benefits.
This webinar aims to raise awareness of both the opportunities and challenges that international investment facilitation commitments present for African countries in the lead up to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in March 2026 in Cameroon. It seeks to support African IIA negotiators, investment promotion agencies (IPAs), and policymakers in enhancing the sustainable development impact of their international investment facilitation commitments. To this end it will provide information to support them in leveraging technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and special and differential treatment provisions to their fullest potential.
The webinar is open to policymakers and government officials from African economies. To register, please use the following link. Please be sure to indicate your affiliation.
