Navigating Global Trading Systems: The Challenges & opportunities of Small Developing Economies

It will explore how Botswana and other African countries can position themselves strategically in the global trade network, leveraging natural resources, regional integration, and foreign direct investment (FDI). 

It will also present The African Continental Free Trade Area and Its potential to reshape Africa’s trade landscape, promote intra-African trade, and attract investment.

Finally, it will explore the significance of incorporating a gender lens into trade initiatives, ensuring that women can equally access economic opportunities and fully engage in the trade ecosystem.

About the speaker

Prior to her current position, she served for 11 years as the first female Attorney General of the Republic of Botswana, where she was Principal Legal Advisor to the Government and ex-officio member of the Cabinet. In this role, she was a member of Botswana delegations to regional and international meetings held under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community, the African Union, the Commonwealth and the United Nations. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Botswana and Swaziland, a Masters in Law from Yale Law School, and a PhD in Law from Leiden University. She also attained a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIARB) in London, and is a Fellow of the CIARB.

She has served as a Judge of the High Court of Botswana, Senior Programme Officer for Gender at SADC, and Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Botswana. She also authored and published a number of journal articles and book chapters on Human Rights, Gender Equality, Democracy and the Rule of Law, as well as participated as a speaker and resource person at many conferences, seminars and workshops for the past four decades.  Dr Molokomme is the recipient of a number of honors and awards, including the Presidential Order of Meritorious Service for Exceptional service to Botswana.

Dr. Molokomme has contributed to the founding of a number of Human Rights Organisations at national, legal and international level, and currently serves on international boards including the Nuremberg Principles Advisory Council; Justice Rapid Response and the International Gender Champions Global Board. During her tour in Geneva, she has served on a number of key Committees in multilateral organisations including as Chairperson of the WTO Trade Policy Review Body in 2021; Co-Chair of the WTO Informal Working Group on Women and Trade; Chairperson of the ITC Joint Advisory Group for 2021; Chairperson of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body in 2022 and served as Chairperson of the WTO General Council from March 2023 until March 2024.

This lecture will take place at the World Trade Institute in Bern and Online (via Zoom). To register, please email masters.wti@unibe.ch