For three decades, the Southern and Eastern Africa Trade Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI) has worked primarily «behind the scenes», striving to make African countries more influential in international trade negotiations. Marking 30 years of its advocacy and political activities, the institute is entering a new phase, which, according to its assessment, will require Africa not just to respond to global economic rules, but to actively participate in shaping them.
The anniversary celebration brought together government representatives, employees of regional bodies, development partners, researchers, civil society organizations, and leaders of the private sector. The participants discussed the changing role of Africa in global trade and the challenges that the continent will face in the future. SEATINI took advantage of this event to present a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening African research, developing political leadership, and creating platforms to support local solutions to economic issues.
Established in 1996 by Professor Yash Tandon, SEATINI emerged at a time when many African states were part of a rapidly changing global trade system but lacked the technical capacity and resources to effectively influence international trade rules. Over the years, the organization has grown into one of Africa’s leading independent policy institutions, engaging in research, training, and advocacy on issues related to trade, investment, taxation, regional integration, agriculture, and climate justice.
However, as the global economy becomes increasingly unstable, SEATINI points to the emergence of a new set of challenges. Geopolitical tensions, climate change, technological shifts, and the transformation of trade relations are changing the nature of economic interaction between countries. Dr. David Luke, Professor of Practice and Strategic Director at the Firoz Lalji Institute of African Studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science, noted that under such conditions, the importance of institutions like SEATINI is only growing, as countries need to navigate these changes.
SEATINI Executive Director Jane Nalunga stated that the anniversary is not only an occasion to take stock but also a starting point for further work. «For thirty years, SEATINI has collaborated with governments, regional institutions, civil society, and development partners to strengthen Africa’s voice in global trade. The next stage of our work focuses on strengthening African knowledge systems and promoting Afrocentric alternatives that meet the challenges of modern development», she said.
Among the new initiatives is the SEATINI Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, which will define the organization’s activities for the next five years. In addition, the Yash Tandon Knowledge Centre on Trade and Development has been launched — a continental platform designed to support research, knowledge exchange, and policy engagement. Another initiative, the Afrocentric Academy of Trade and Economic Policy, will focus on training future African leaders in the areas of trade, investment, and fiscal policy. SEATINI also introduced a new digital platform — the SEATINI Africa website, which is designed to make research and policy materials more accessible across the continent.
Speaking at the anniversary event, Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, stated that Africa’s trade agenda should go beyond agreements and be focused on improving people’s lives. According to her, trade should promote industrialization, create jobs, strengthen regional value chains, and provide tangible benefits to citizens. She also called for more active support for women and young entrepreneurs so that they could participate in the economic opportunities arising from regional and global trade.
Government representatives and experts who attended the event emphasized the need to strengthen institutions and increase investment in Africa’s production potential. During a panel discussion on Africa’s place in global trade, finance, and investment policy management, it was noted that the continent should play a more active role in shaping international economic decisions. Participants emphasized that Africa needs to strengthen regional integration, develop domestic industries, and build policies based on its own priorities.
Entering its fourth decade of activity, SEATINI states that it will focus on translating knowledge into practical action. The organization plans to engage more closely with governments, regional economic communities, universities, civil society, and businesses in order to influence policies that promote inclusive and sustainable development.
The challenges ahead remain significant. Africa remains a significant player in global trade, yet many countries continue to face a number of constraints, including weak industrial capacity, unequal trade relations, and high vulnerability to external shocks. SEATINI believes that stronger African institutions and locally generated knowledge can change this situation.
After 30 years of helping Africa gain a more confident voice in discussions about global trade, the organization now seeks to ensure that this voice has a greater influence on shaping the rules of the future.
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