Trade Interventions and Poverty Alleviation : Is Aid for Trade Helping the African Poor?

This paper discusses AfT's role in reducing poverty. Using cross-country data for 52 countries during 2000-2011, it assesses whether AfT has had a measurable direct effect on poverty in Africa. The paper finds compelling evidence that AfT has directly impacted on poverty, particularly in LDCs and landlocked countries by improving their productive capacities and trade policy and regulations. Finally, the paper reflects on what continuing policy efforts need to be considered by donors and beneficiaries beyond the Fourth Global Review and post-2015 sustainable development goals agenda, in order to enhance AfT's role in the fight against poverty