Trade and Investment for More and Better Jobs in Eastern and Southern African Countries

This Virtual Knowledge-Sharing Forum provides a platform for policy-makers, constituents, investors and entrepreneurs to engage in guided discussions on the potential of the Eastern and Southern African countries to create more and better jobs through trade and investment. This knowledge-sharing forum will provide an overview of the trade and investment policies in the region and highlight the benefits of trade and investment in eastern and southern African countries. OBJECTIVES The Knowledge-Sharing forum aims to: • Gain sound understanding on how do trade and investment policies in eastern and south African region impact job creation • Raise awareness on the significant role of trade and investment in creating more and better jobs in the eastern and southern African countries • Share knowledge on most promising sectors for trade and foreign investment in eastern and southern African countries CONTENT The knowledge sharing forum is structured in three learning modules. In each day, participants attended a two-hour online webinar where guest speakers shared their knowledge and experiences. Participants were be able to interact with their peers and share feedback. Day 1 – 5 December Day 1 set the scene of the Forum. The first session provided a general overview of trade and investment policies in the eastern and southern African region and the ways in which these policies could impact job creation. The session also explored the challenges faced by south and east African countries in implementing trade and investment policies. Day 2 – 6 December Day 2 focused on the benefits of trade and investment for small and medium-sized enterprises and also in creating productive and decent work in the region. Sectorial and good practices were shared and discussed among participants. Day 3 – 7 December Day 3 sheded the light on the capacity of the eastern and southern African countries in attracting foreign investment in promising sectors and to what extent it is related to the implementation of investment policies and decent work. The discussion also focused on the numerous opportunities in terms of trade and investment that the region offers, which could unlock its potential and achieve greater prosperity. NUMBER OF WEEKS: 3 days