Global Conference on Trade, Tariffs, and Development in Africa

On 18-19 June 2026, the Collaborative Research Groups on Governance, Entrepreneurship, and Inclusive Development (GEID) and Africa in the World- Rethinking Africa’s Global Connections, both at the African Studies Centre, Leiden University, will host a high-level international conference on Trade, Tariffs, and Development in Africa. The event will gather top scholars, policymakers, practitioners, diplomats, journalists, investors, students, and representatives of regional and global organizations. It will analyze the political economy of tariffs and free trade from various analytical and disciplinary angles. The conference will look at how trade policy affects development outcomes in African economies and within the global trading system. Special focus will be given to how domestic policy choices, regional integration, and global trade governance interact. It will act as a global platform for meaningful debate and will promote evidence-based dialogue among academic, policy, and practitioner communities.

Participation GLOBTAXGOV Irma Mosquera

Thematic Panel Session 4
Taxation, Governance, and Trade Regulation in Africa
Core Theme: This session explores the relationship between tariff governance,
taxation, illicit financial flows, and civil society participation in African trade
governance.
Panel Sessions
Note: Each speaker will deliver a 20-minute presentation, followed by a 15-minute
moderated discussion and audience Q&A led by Professor Dr. Mayke Kaag and Dr.
Ayokunu Adedokun.

09:55 – 10:30 | Paper 9, Dr. Gbenga Oyebode Falana
African Centre for Tax and Governance, Nigeria
Topic: Tariff Regimes and Illicit Financial Flows in Africa: Trade Mis-Invoicing,
AfCFTA Risks, and Domestic Resource Mobilisation
Q&A: 10:15 – 10:30

10:30 – 11:05 | Paper 10, Professor Dr. Irma Mosquera
Leiden University, Netherlands
Topic: Good Tax Governance and Trade: A Case Study of the Samoa Agreement
Q&A: 10:50 – 11:05