Master of Laws in International and African Regional Law graduate, Ms Ayandiswa Mbhele, has used research to answer whether African countries are able to meaningfully participate in and influence the decisions that shape international trade.
Mbhele, who graduated cum laude, said her research titled, ‘Critical Discussion of Decision-making within the WTO Ministerial Conference and General Council: Exploring the Positionality of African Countries to Improve their Participation in Multilateral Trade”, had found the trade position of such countries was shaped by factors such as limited negotiating capacity and a reliance on foreign development assistance which often resulted in the marginalisation of these nations in World Trade Organisation (WTO) decision-making processes.
“I believe the research impacts both international and regional trade, particularly by advancing the meaningful inclusion of African countries in major global trade engagements. It offers concrete recommendations to reposition African states from marginal participants into active contributors capable of shaping WTO outcomes and broader multilateral trade policies,” Mbhele said.
The study was supervised by Dr Clydenia Stevens.
The graduate was awarded the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) fee remission scholarship which is awarded to students who complete their full master’s thesis in record time. Mbhele said she was deeply grateful to the University for the support during her academic journey.
“In 2021, I lost my mother, who was my only surviving parent. This loss deeply affected me, especially as it happened right when I began my LLB studies at UKZN. I am incredibly grateful to the University for making it possible for me to complete this qualification, which will allow me to step into the international and regional law space as a legal professional.”
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini