


Research
Promoting research in trade-related topics and, in particular, highlighting the policy relevance of such research. Research outputs include books, book chapters, articles, working papers, and dissertations and theses.

Curriculum Development
Supporting the development and delivery of courses on international trade for students and other stakeholders, including government officials, researchers, and private sector professionals. Expanding information and knowledge acquisition on trade from all disciplinary lenses.

Outreach
Stimulating engagement between academics and other stakeholders, such as private sector actors, governmental decision-makers, and civil society. This is achieved through events such as roundtables and other outreach activities.
Signature Events
Annual Conference
A multi-disciplinary conference that is open to staff and students, of any recognised institution in the world, who are interested in presenting their research that is related to international trade
Research Seminar
A multi-stakeholder forum for engagement on Lesotho’s perspective on trade-related issues
Grants and Scholarships
Support for postgraduate students towards their studies. These are granted based on merit and need
Annual Business Roundtable
A forum for stakeholders from academia, government, and the private sector to discuss opportunities and challenges in the context of the growth and development of Lesotho’s private sector
Debate Competition
An annual competition to stimulate youth engagement on topics related to trade and development
Measuring Our Impact
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Testimonials
Chengetai Euphemia Hamadziripi
Attending the 2nd WTO-NUL conference provided invaluable enrichment through support in research paper development and interdisciplinary scholarly interaction.
Joalane Rosina Tota
The funding from the NUL-WTO Chair greatly helped me in attaining my goal. Engaging with the Chair instilled in me a thrilling desire to interact more in the international trade industry. I got a chance to lead a session in its esteemed annual conference.
Maleshoane Lekomola-Danziger
I was deeply honored to be awarded the NUL-WTO Synergy Award recognizing my efforts in fostering
collaboration between academia and government.
Dr Mamello Nchake
My involvement with the NUL-WTO Chair includes participating in the second NUL-WTO conference and trade in services seminar, and contribution of a book chapter to a compendium.
Tsietsi Khopholi
International trade experts are experiencing a notable surge in numbers.I greatly appreciate the effective career guidance measure employed by the NUL WTO Chair, which I adopted and successfully implemented.
Nkati Tsotleho
Throughout my academic journey, the WTO Chair has been an irreplaceable companion, surpassing conventional realms of education. Beyond merely aiding me in traditional studies, it has shed light on a wider lens when it comes to trade and intricacies.
Tanatsiwa Dambuza
The 2nd NUL WTO Chair conference was a rewarding opportunity for me as a novice researcher. I learned a lot about regional integration and trade in Africa, interacted with experts from different disciplines.
‘Makeletso Khoeli
The NUL-WTO Chair, through its scholarship, has been a significant support throughout my academic journey. Currently in my second year of studies, their financial assistance has alleviated any financial stress,
Lesaona Rorisang
My experience with the NUL-WTO has genuinely ignited my intellectual capabilities within the trade industry. This opportunity allowed me to deliver my first-ever presentation at an academic conference, a unique achievement that I believe stands as a
Chido Teclar Mitchel Muza
The NUL-WTO Chair 2nd Annual Conference was a powerhouse of insights! Presenting thereat was both rewarding and engaging, sparking fruitful discussions with fellow researchers.
Nthati Shao
The debate was one housed in a rather controversial topic area, that being whether or not Africa’s growing youth population is an advantage or not. This experience deepened my understanding of a crucial issue and further sharpened my ability to articulate and defend complex ideas.






Supporting Lesotho to use trade as a means to raise living standards, create jobs, and improve people’s lives.
Past Events
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Annual Conference
The Chair hosts a conference on an annual basis under a different and pertinent theme. In 2022 the theme was “The Right to Development and the Operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.” The sub-themes included:
1. Intra-African Trade and the Prospects for Poverty Eradication;
2. The Roel of Foreign Direct Investment in the Development of Africa;
3. Agricultural Development and the FoodFebruary 19, 2024Read More -
Research Seminar
The NUL WTO Chair hosted a research seminar on October 18, 2022. It considered the nexus between industrialization and economic growth and development in the context of Lesotho. The Seminar was anchored on a presentation by Dr Denis Yuni which was titled “An Assessment of the Impact of Industrialization on Economic Growth in Lesotho.” The paper provides an overview of the trends and current status of
February 19, 2024Read More -
World Trade Organization Chairs Programme Annual Conference
The World Trade Organization Chairs Programme (WCP) hosts an annual conference that is attended by all Chairs that are in the network. This is an opportunity for networking, acquiring more information about the programme as well as dialoguing on critical issues that are pertinent in the international trade discourse. Dr Tsotang Tsietsi, the Co-Chair,
February 19, 2024Read More -
Launch Ceremony
The National University of Lesotho was awarded a World Trade Organization Chair in 2022. To celebrate this honour, it held a hybrid launch ceremony on Tuesday July 13, 2022 at Avani Lesotho Hotel; with virtual attendance by a Zoom link. There were two parts to this stunning event: the official launch ceremony in the morning and an Academic Seminar and Roundtable discussion on the Outcomes of the World Trade Organization 12th Ministerial
February 19, 2024Read More -
Curriculum Development Seminar
December 19, 2023 Posted by: NUL WTO Chair Category: Uncategorized No Comments Under the curriculum development pillar, the NUL WTO Chair held a seminar themed: the Teaching of International Trade at the National University of Lesotho: Content and Pedagogical Approaches. This idea came from the realisation that the university has been running undergraduate and postgraduate
February 19, 2024Read More