He said challenging the global neoliberal order was crucial because its ideas have shaped African trade and development policies in ways that entrench inequality and dependence, making exploitative systems seem normal so without alternative ideas, African governments risk maintaining policies that serve foreign interests over local needs.

Therefore, he said, by developing new frameworks rooted in Africa’s historical struggles, present realities and collective aspirations, activists can expose the limitations of neoliberalism and advocate more just, inclusive and sovereign development models that truly serve the continent’s people.

Dr Graham was speaking at the opening of a Cadre School on “Trade and Development Advocacy in Africa” in Accra on Monday, May 19, 2025.

The Cadre School is a pilot initiative aimed at equipping young African activists with the skills and knowledge to advocate fair and inclusive trade and development policies.

The five-day training programme is being jointly organised by TWN-Africa, ENDA-CACID, and SEATINI-Uganda under the auspices of the Africa Trade Network.

Participants were drawn from various regional economic blocs across the continent, with attention to gender and linguistic diversity.

Dr Graham said the current moment calls for a renewed urgency and unity among African civil society actors.

He mentioned that while civil society organisations (CSOs) remained focused on important thematic issues, there was a need for strategic convergence to address shared continental challenges.

“We are in a conjuncture where the shifts taking place require knowledge building that is rooted not just in frontline issues, but in history and the struggle of ideas,” he said.

Dr Graham described the Africa Trade Network, founded nearly 30 years ago, as a key platform that has influenced trade policy in Africa and globally.

He cited past struggles, including the campaign against the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), as examples of how organised citizen pressure could shape continental decisions.

He said African agency was more urgent than ever and called on activists to revitalise relationships and build strategic unity.

“We must begin to generate the pressures that force our leaders to recognise the urgent needs of the continent,” he said.

The Country Director of SEATINI-Uganda, Jane Nalunga, underscored the pervasive influence of trade on all aspects of life, stressing that today, critical sectors such as health, education and even climate change have been commodified and are effectively “in the market for the highest bidder.”

She urged participants not to feel out of place if they don’t work directly in trade, as the interconnectedness of issues demands a cross-sectoral understanding.

Ms Nalunga emphasised the participatory nature of the training, encouraging attendees to engage actively, complete assignments, and share their lived experiences.

Framing the programme as a “training of trainers,” she said the goal was for participants to return to their organisations equipped with new ways of analysing and addressing the structural issues Africa faces. 

Ultimately, she expressed hope that that process would help revitalise and strengthen the Africa Trade Network so that civil society actors across sectors can advocate with a unified African voice at national, regional and global levels.