In addition to strengthening the institutional capacity of RECs in the area of trade, good policymaking requires that all related constituencies such as policymakers and negotiators in REC member states, private sector practitioners, trade unionists, parliamentarians, academics, journalists, gender activists and environmental activists all have the understanding and wherewithal to make inputs into regional and national trade policies. Achieving good outcomes in trade negotiations similarly requires broad based competencies and capacity to articulate and defend regional and national interests. Accordingly, African RECs and their member states would continue to need support in policymaking at different levels as well as in international trade negotiations to enable them participate effectively in the international trading system and obtain pro-development results.

Moreover, African RECs and their member States need the support and understanding of business practitioners and trade unionists in developing positions to take in trade negotiations because these are the ultimate users and beneficiaries of the outcomes of such negotiations. Similarly, if parliamentarians, academics, journalists, gender activists and environmental activists appreciate the important role of trade in regional integration and development their cumulative input will help to accelerate the pace of integration and use of trade as an engine of development. In this regard, particular attention will be paid to providing information, training, and advisory services to a wide-range of stakeholders as possible especially in collaboration with regional and sub-regional groupings like the African Union and the Trade Policy Units in the RECs.