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NKAFU OPEN TRADE INITIATIVE 

Essay Competition on Free Trade (Submit your application)

Background

Cameroon and Nigeria are two neighboring countries that share a border of almost 1700 km. The two countries trade intensively, despite the constant threat of the terrorist group Boko-Haram along the border. However, this trade between Cameroon and Nigeria remains stuck in the informal sector. The two countries ratified the agreement on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has the potential to boost trade between them, accelerate Gross Domestic Product (GDP), increase employment opportunities, and raise per capita incomes. To achieve this, it is important for both countries to eliminate all obstacles that could prevent them from enjoying the full benefits of free trade, be they institutional, economic, structural or social. With this in mind, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is organizing an essay competition on Free Trade in order to contribute to the strengthening of trade relations between Cameroon and Nigeria in the context of the AfCFTA.

Scope

The applicant should be able to illustrate how free trade will impact a sector of their choice or solve a pressing development problem facing Cameroon and/or Nigeria.

At the end of the competition, 10 best essays on free trade will be selected and the winners will receive a CFAF 50,000 cash prize each during our Free Trade forum to be organized in January 2022.

These 10 best essays will also be published on the website of the Nkafu Policy Institute and publicized during media campaigns organised by the Nkafu Team.

Eligibility Criteria

The competition is open to all Cameroonians and more specifically to young people between the age of 18 to 30 years. Participation is free. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants are invited to send their proposal with their full name, address (email and phone) and the name of their school/university or institution.

Proposed areas

  • Reasons for free trade/benefits of free trade
  • Free trade agreements
  • Regional integration and trade
  • Trade policies and international trade
  • Advantages and disadvantages of trade blocs
  • Tariffs and Non-Tariffs barriers
  • Institutions and free trade promotion
  • Role of private sector for improving free trade
  • Protectionist’s policies
  • Free trade, employment and economic growth
  • Rules of origin
  • Comparative and absolute advantages.

The list provided above is not exhaustive, but rather provides an illustration of areas of interest. We encourage all applicants to write about a subject or topic they are passionate about.

Deadline for submission: 31 December 2021

Layout

Submitted essays must strictly comply with the following editorial standards: Font: Times New Roman, Font Size: 12, Line Spacing 1,5. Essays should be between 800-1000 words maximum, margins: normal. The essays can be in French or English.

References

All reference should be hyperlinked

Calendar 

  • 5 November 2021: Call for essays opens
  • 31 December 2021: Call for essays closes
  • 31 December 2021 – 17 January 2022: Review process (essays consideration)
  • 15 February 2022: Announcement of successful applicants (with invitation to the free trade forum)
  • 20 February 2022: Confirmation of attendance at the Free Trade Forum
  • 25 February 2022: Free Trade Forum
Nkafu Policy Institute

A leading African think tank with a mission to provide independent, in-depth and insightful policy recommendations that allows all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic and sustainable economies.