On Wednesday, June 25, the University of Lomé (UL) launched the World Trade Organization Chair Program (OMC-UL). The objective is to support research, teaching and awareness-raising on international trade issues, especially in the African context.

The WTO-UL Chair Program is intended to strengthen academic capacity in developing countries. It is based on three pillars such as research, in particular on the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on agricultural value chains; training, with the development of courses for specialized masters; and awareness-raising, through conferences and workshops for public and private actors and civil society. The program reflects the country's commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable trade in the service of economic development.

According to the Togolese government, represented by the Minister of Higher Education Kanka-Malik Natchaba, this chair is a strategic tool to support Togo in its commercial openness and in the application of its national ZLECAF strategy.