About the NUL WTO Chair
The National University of Lesotho was awarded a World Trade Organization Chair in 2022. As the Chair is comprised of three categories of activities (research, curriculum development and outreach), the National University of Lesotho decided to organize its Chair Committee to comprise of a Chair and a Co-Chair and Coordinators of each of the activities.
About the NUL WTO Chairs committee
Chair
The Chair is Professor Motlamelle Kapa from the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Political Science.
Co- Chair
The Co-Chair is Dr Tsotang Tsietsi from the Faculty of Law, Department of Private Law.
Coordinator of Research Activities
This pillar is coordinated by Dr Denis Yuni from the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Economics.
Coordinator of Curriculum Development Activities
These activities are coordinated by Dr Leseko Makhetha from the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Economics.
Coordinator of Outreach Activities
The Outreach Pillar is co-coordinated by Dr Mamoeletsi Mojalefa from the Institute of Extra Mural Studies (IEMS). The Chair has its seat in the Faculty of Law. The Dean of the Faculty of Law is Dr Letzadzo Kometsi. The University NUL intends to use the WTO Chair to fulfil the following strategic objectives.
- Under curriculum development activities, NUL will increase its postgraduate and executive programs on international trade. This includes installing Masters’ and Doctoral programs and providing financial support for scholarships related to international trade law;
- Grow into a more research-driven institution that contributes significantly to knowledge-creation on emerging phenomena and trends in international trade and development. The research pillar has planned activities that entail academically rigorous projects and also commissioned research that will inform policy in Lesotho. The Chair will ensure the publication and distribution of research findings, for example, through seminars and conferences.
- Increase its stakeholder engagements on contemporary trade and development challenges, particularly those affecting land-locked least developed countries, such as Lesotho. The Chair will actively pursue stakeholder engagement to form mutually advantageous relationships and to connect the University to the public sector, private sector, civil society, and Lesotho’s development partners. The Chair intends to grow into a trusted centre of excellence in international trade matters.
- Develop national, regional, and international partnerships with kindred institutions, such as academic and research institutions as well as regional organizations.
The National University of Lesotho envisages that the WTO Chairs Programme will enable it to become an African epicenter of excellence in the production and dissemination of knowledge on international trade law and policies. This will benefit, not only the public and private sectors in Lesotho but also the rest of Africa, including partner universities, research institutions and Regional Economic Communities (RECs). We invite you to contact us to discuss possible opportunities for collaboration.