The 10th Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) Meeting is another of the key ongoing AfCFTA institutional meetings in Kigali, Rwanda. The establishment of the Dispute Settlement Body, heralded during its inaugural session in 2021, marked a definitive stride towards ensuring that trade disagreements in Africa are handled within an objective, transparent, and competent legal framework. Comprising representatives from all State Parties, the DSB’s mandate is pivotal. It oversees the implementation of rulings and recommendations meted out by the Panels and the Appellate Body, the two-tier system designed to address trade conflicts.
The 10th Committee Meeting of the DSB bears significant weight for various reasons:
1. Operationalization of the Appellate Body: A chief highlight is the discussion on progress in making the Appellate Body fully functional. This institution’s operationalization signals the continent’s commitment to ensuring that decisions are both fair and in line with the broader principles of AfCFTA.
2. Establishment of the Expert Group: Another crucial agenda is the adoption of rules guiding the formation of the Expert Group. By incorporating specialists from diverse trade sectors, AfCFTA is demonstrating its intent to base its decisions on expert advice, ensuring that intricate trade disputes are resolved with the technical precision they deserve.
3. Enhancing Rapid Dispute Resolution: Beyond formal adjudication, the mechanism’s allowance for methods such as conciliation, mediation, and arbitration signals a push for faster, more collaborative dispute resolution processes. These options, designed to be quicker, emphasize AfCFTA’s drive to ensure trade continues smoothly even amidst disagreements.
The ongoing 10th Committee meeting is another crucial step towards ensuring trade disputes find resolution within a robust legal mechanism. For all involved in African trade, from local entrepreneurs to international investors, this is a reaffirmation of AfCFTA’s promise of a just, transparent, and efficient trading landscape.
