RESTRICTEDWORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/COMTD/W/107
31 October 2002
(02-6015)
Committee on Trade and Development
REGIONAL TRADE POLICY COURSES IN AFRICA
EVALUATION
Note by the Secretariat
SUMMARY
1. The regional trade policy courses (RTPC) under review were implemented in Casablanca
(8 July to 27 September 2002) and in Nairobi (15 July to 4 October 2002).  The courses were the
result of an initiative taken by the former Direct or-General, Mike Moore, in the spring of 2002,
in the context of responding to the commitments on capacity-building in the Doha Development
Agenda (DDA), by building regional expertise in WTO-linked training activities. The two
courses were not, however, implemented as part of the established overall plan of technical
assistance and capacity-building of the WTO secret ariat.  They have therefore to be considered
as pilot projects.  The findings and lessons learned from this evaluation will be applicable in any
future courses of this nature.  In some in stances they may have broader implications.
2. In the general context of enhancing the capacity of developing countries to participate in
the DDA negotiations, the objectives of these RTPCs, as they emerged from the background
materials available, were to:
(a) increase the number of government officials who can benefit from the long TPC;
(b) give a regional focus to the learning dispensed in these courses;
(c) develop partnership arrangements with regionally based institutions of higher
learning and resource persons, in te rms of both pedagogical and logistical
capacity.  The instrument for doing this  was to replicate in the two "field"
locations, the long trade policy course offered now six times a year in Geneva,
suitably modified.
3. In contrast to Geneva, where preparations for TPCs are normally initiated six months in
advance, and where there is considerable experience  in the organization of such courses (over 40
years), barely three months were available to do the same in Nairobi and Casablanca, with the
additional requirements to establish partnerships with local institutions, recruit resource
persons outside WTO and from  within the region, organise logistics, documentation,
accommodation, lodging, transport, set up local s upport, etc. in the two locations, and at the
same time.  These pressures did not make the ch allenge of organizing courses of this nature any
easier to deal with.WT/COMTD/W/107
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4. The reasons for choosing Casablanca and Na irobi were above all pragmatic, dictated by
pressure of time and personal contacts.  The choice was not based on a clear description of the
specifications to be met.  A number of particip ants considered that alternative locations might
be preferable, including in relation to the selected sites.  Such views, however, were not
unanimous.
5. When it was decided to go ahead with the co urses, their projected funding (Sfr 2,750,000)
was not assured, thus creating potential liabilities for the organization/Members.  This created
stress and uncertainty almost  up to the last minute, and was in breach of WTO Financial Rules
and Regulations.  There was insufficient time to ensure that all potential donors (Members and
institutions) had an opportunity to contribute.  The involvement of regional financial
institutions could be looked into as a way of reinforcing the regional ownership of the project.
6. The arrangements between WTO and the partner institutions (Institut Supérieur de
Commerce et d’Administration des Entreprises (ISCAE) in Morocco, University of Nairobi in
Kenya) were the subject of MOUs signed on 3 June and 24 June 2002, respectively, setting out
the rights and obligations of each party.  Pressure of time created a situation in which some of
the financial conditions were not adequately specified.
7. The starting-point being the replication of the Geneva TPCs (mutatis mutandis), the
letters of invitation, information material, selection criteria, course design, etc. were closely
modelled on the GTPC.  This fact helped in setting up the courses under the acute time pressure
referred to above.  Essential differences with  the GTPC related to: (i) regional focus; (ii)
intervention of local teaching and institutional pa rtners; (iii) preparation of  research papers by
the participants during the course; (iv) unavailability of the Geneva context to back up thelearning process.
8. Efficiency and costs: The courses were completed under budget, and were delivered on
schedule.  Based on the Nairobi experience (th e data for Casablanca are not yet available),
analysis reveals that the costs incurred in running the course s are very similar to those in
Geneva, per participant.  If it were possible to take account precisely of a number of overheadcosts in Geneva, that have been accounted for in Nairobi, it is estimated that the Geneva courses
would come out somewhat more expensive.  The regional courses are considerably less
expensive per participant per day than a typical 3-4 day regional seminar.
9. Practical Arrangements: these were very much  the tributary of the haste with which the
courses had to be organized. For the most part, but not in every instance, the arrangements
turned out to be satisfactory. Suggestions that the courses move among different venues within
the region should be approached with caution; st art up costs will be continually incurred, as will
teething problems linked to the venue.  Whatever the venue decided upon, issues that need to be
addressed include:  accommodation (bearing in mind that it must be suitable to mid-level
government officials, not undergraduate students); food; per diem; costs of communication;
isolation; security; access to support materials (computers, library etc.); social activities.
10. Effectiveness (what the courses have achieved):
(a) Participants (27 in Casablanca; 23 in Nairobi): in both locations the course
content to a large extent met the particip ants' expectations, as evidenced by the
course evaluation forms and their verbal statements.  The research papers they
wrote give evidence that they have considerably improved their understanding
and knowledge of the MTS.  A drawback in relation to the Geneva courses is the
absence of opportunity to interact with delegates and secretariat on an ongoing
basis, and to observe WTO activities/meeti ngs at first hand.  An advantage is theWT/COMTD/W/107
Page 3
regional focus that is secured in tw o ways: combining WTO resource persons
with those from the region, and the part icipants all being from the same region.
(b) Institutional partnerships:  collaboration with the University of Nairobi was
satisfactory, while collaboration with ISCAE gave rise to some problems.
Partnerships at the level of resource persons, through sharing of teachingresponsibilities,  worked out for the Nair obi course in most cases through on-the-
spot arrangements and in a few cases through prior communications; this should
have been more systematic.  The overwhel ming majority of the resource persons
consider this job-sharing as an effective trainer-training tool.    There was no
joint teaching in Casablanca, but the local resource persons delivered several
modules and made a good contribution in terms of regional focus.  If there is to
be outsourcing of the entire responsibili ty for delivering such courses to regional
resource persons and institutions, it will have to be a gradual process over a
number of years.  The extent and nature of continued WTO input can be
determined only once there is a critical  mass of knowledge and skills in the
region.  The issues of quality control and financial responsibility will have to be
addressed.
11. Sustainability of the results:
(a) the overwhelming majority of the partic ipants showed the potential to transmit
the knowledge they acquired to their colleagu es and to use it themselves in their
home countries, even as a contribution to the on-going trade negotiations, and
confirmed their intention to do so.  As for all TA activities, the effective andsustained utilisation of these new skills and knowledge depends, however, not
only on their being prepared to stay in  WTO-related fields of work, but also on
their employers keeping them in such wo rk.  In inviting nominations to the
courses, the WTO stipulated that the part icipants should return to their capital
and work on WTO issues at least up to the Sixth Ministerial Conference; itwould seriously jeopardize the sustainab ility of the results if the participants
were to quit their WTO-related responsibilities before that or soon after.  The
same observation applies, of course, to  all WTO TA and training activities.
(b) With regard to partner institutions, it is too early to talk about sustained results.
This will depend primarily on whether they have the opportunity to repeat the
course, thus contributing to their ownership of the whole project.  See also
paragraph 10 above.
(c) At the level of the WTO secretariat these regional courses can be sustained only
if  appropriate conditions are established within the units concerned.  The ability
of the secretariat to service up to five regional courses every year without a
reallocation of resources is doubtful; two already put severe and unsustainable
strains on its resources.
12. Relevance: the courses have met the needs of th e participants.  This was facilitated by the
fact that they all came from a region wher e there are many shared problems, needs and
priorities.  Useful suggestions have emerged regarding course design intended to make it even
more relevant, and further needs analysis would help in that regard.WT/COMTD/W/107
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13. Lessons learned and recommendations:  the experience shows that having a good concept
needs to be backed up by the human and financial resources to realise it, and an adequate time-
frame.  It should be possible to identify suit able teaching partners from a broader constituency
in the region.  The choice of venue and partner institutions should be more transparent and
based on a clear set of specifications, perhap s using an open bidding procedure.  A more
systematic effort should be made to identify potential problems with any venue envisaged.  It is
likely that even if a gradual transfer of ownership of the project to partner institutions does take
place, WTO's responsibility will continue to be engaged, if only from a financial point of view.
There will be a continuing need to ensure that such  courses are consistent in quality with other
WTO-sponsored technical assistance.
14. Conclusion:  the African RTPCs as a "product ", being basically the same as the Geneva
TPCs, have shown that they did what they set out to do. Thus effectiveness is on a par with the
Geneva courses.  The debate about continuing them, and expanding the programme elsewhere,
will turn on other issues, relating essentially to  how they fit into the overall strategy for WTO
TA, cost and  financing, the impact they will have on other programmes, etc.  The problems of a
practical nature that arose turned out not to have had an impact on  effectiveness in any serious
way, and are such that they will either not arise or  can be dealt with if the proper conditions are
in place .WT/COMTD/W/107
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INTRODUCTION
15. This report contains the evaluation of the two 12-week regional trade policy courses (RTPCs)
held in Africa from 15 July to 4 October (Nairobi, Kenya), and from 8 July to 27 September
(Casablanca, Morocco).  Technica l Cooperation Audit (TCA ) takes full responsibility for the views
expressed in the report, but wishes to acknowledge the very valuable input from other parts of thesecretariat.  A cooperative effort prevailed throughout the evaluation phase of the project, and the
TCA wishes to acknowledge the support they received both in Geneva and at the venues.
16. The format of this evaluation is similar to that of evaluations of other projects reviewed by
TCA.  It addresses the background and context to the courses, planning and design, implementation,
performance, i.e. efficiency and effectiveness, relevance, sustainability.  It includes findings, lessons
learned and some conclusions and recommendations, based on analysis of the findings, and the data
gathered during the exercise.  The report limits itself to the issue it was meant to address, namely the
evaluation of the African RTPCs, and therefore does not get into the question of the feasibility of
future RTPCs.
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) OF THE EVALUATION
17. The terms of reference of the evaluation are contained in a memo to the Director-General,
attached in Annex I.  The evaluation is based on the following written inputs, in addition to verbalinputs from consultations with interested parties:
(a) 48 participant evaluation forms (PEF);
(b) 34 resource person questionnaires;
(c) 5 questionnaires completed by partners from the two institutions;
(d) 480 weekly feedback questionnaires.
The list of persons interviewed is in Annex II. The list of countries participating in each venue is in
Annex III.
18. In both locations, TCA conducted end-of-course evaluations with the participants, which in
each case took up a whole morning.
19. Visits, inter alia  for monitoring purposes, were made by other members of the secretariat
responsible for the organization and running of the courses (at least 13 over the duration of the
courses).  Valuable information was gathered in this way as well.
BACKGROUND
20. The background to the African courses, and the notion of regional courses more generally, was
the perception that had prevailed for some time that even with the doubling of the number of trade
policy courses in Geneva, to six per year, demand for fellowships in such courses continued to
outpace supply.  There was a recognition that the capacity-building needs of the developing and least-developed countries and economies in transition, both in general and in particular after Doha and in
anticipation of the Cancún Ministerial, were considerable and growing.  In Geneva, a physical limit in
terms of training facilities and available human resources had been reached.  Hence the idea of taking
the concept of the three-month courses – which have been in existence for over 40 years, and are
considered by the Members as the flagship of WTO training activities – to the regions.  This wouldgive concrete expression to the numerous references to capacity-building in the DDA, showing that inWT/COMTD/W/107
Page 6
terms of TA it was not going to be "business as usual", but that a supplementary effort was being
made to deliver on Doha commitments.  The relatively simple idea was to reproduce what is done
successfully in Geneva, i.e. to use the Geneva TPC blueprint, in order to increase substantially the
number of trained officials. It was also intended to initiate a process of progressive transfer of the
ownership of the programme to the regions through training-of-trainers, essentially from the academiccommunity, to ensure a high level of commitment, or “ownership”, by beneficiaries.
21. Given that Africa had become the focal point of most international assistance efforts, that the
great majority of the least-developed countries were in the region and were in greater need of trade
policy training, and that assisting them had been established as a priority for WTO TA, it was logical
that the first courses should be held on that continent.
22. The concept received wide support from both the potential beneficiaries of the project and the
developed countries.  Nevertheless, the context in which the project had to evolve was not propitious,as illustrated by the following:
(a) The decision to go ahead was taken without a feasibility study, which meant that
preparations had to be launched in conditions of uncertainty;
(b) The choice of the partner countries and institutions was pragmatic rather than
scientific, and was not based on a clear description of the specifications to be met;
(c) The parameters of the project – adaptation of Geneva TPC curriculum, resource
persons, internal and external division of labour – had to be improvised quickly;
(d) The project came over and above an already heavy programme of work of the
Training Institute (TI), which was assigned overall responsibility, without dueconsideration of the impact this might have on its staff and programme;
(e) The timing of the project was not ideal, coming as it did in holiday months.  This had
an impact both in the region and in the secretariat, on whose staff the bulk of theteaching burden ended up falling;
(f) The local partners were not used to WTO methods, and were being confronted with a
new situation. For the Institute, this was the first time it was organizing an activityoutside Geneva;
(g) The choice of local resource persons was not subject to rigorous selection procedures;
(h) The selection of candidates had to be made in haste, although in this instance the
usual procedures were followed;
(i) It was difficult to give the required attention to material details, such as location of
the facilities, accommodation, transportation, etc.
PLANNING AND DESIGN
23. The programme of Geneva-based TPC, broken  down in twelve modules, was taken as a
starting-point for the RTPCs.  The programme was he ld in twelve weeks.  Several adaptations had to
be effected a) to compensate for the activities that could not be duplicated in the field – visits to
Geneva-based IGOs, attendance at WTO meetings, two trade negotiations simulations (only one was
programmed); and b) to fill the time thus freed with additional presentations by and visits to local
organizations, and the preparation of research papers by the participants.  The programme for each
venue is in Annex IV.WT/COMTD/W/107
Page 7
24. In this phase, if more time had been available, some issues could have been given more
attention than they were, in particular in relation to the practical arrangements and the suitability of
the venues chosen.  For example, would a venue in sub-Saharan Africa for the French course have
procured any advantages?  Were these alternative venues having a better profile for hosting such a
course?  Was there the requisite degree of commitment?  For example, ISCAE itself acknowledgedthat it had not sought to host the course.
MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)
25. The relations with the two partner institutions  were formalised in MOUs.  The Kenya MOU
was negotiated in detail, and the Casablanca MOU was basically modelled on that one and agreed as
such.  One unfortunate outcome of this precipitation was that the financial annex of the Nairobi MOU
was appended as is to the Casablanca one.  That then became a source of contention that lasted almost
the whole duration of the course.  Two points in particular are worth mentioning:  the expenditure on
computer equipment that was already available and could have been leased from ISCAE; exchangecontrol regulations that had an impact on that purchase, as well as on the undertaking to pay the DSA
of the participants in dollars.  More time for preparatory analysis might have permitted the
identification of these potential problems.
TIME CONSTRAINTS
26. The start-up phase lasted from early April to early July.  The project was not given the OK until
quite late, i.e., mid-June, thus maintaining a climate of uncertainty throughout the period, in particular
on the financing. First the initial budget had to be  cut back, including the additional WTO staff that
should have been made available to the Institute to back up the courses.  Second, arrangements
regarding outside resource persons, accommodation, travel of the participants and resource persons,had to be made on a provisional basis only.  Third, establishing the detailed week-to-week programme
was fraught with difficulty for the Institute.  Fourth, continuous modifications and adaptations had to
be made to the programmes depending on the availability of resource persons and the timing of their
availability.  Fifth, course material had to be asse mbled to match the changes in the programme in the
two cities.  Sixth, the green light was given barely two weeks before the expected commencement ofthe courses, even in the absence of full funding.
27. By way of comparison, preparations for the courses in Geneva are normally initiated six
months in advance, with all resources and facilities being available on the spot. Half that time wasavailable for the RTPCs.
28. And finally, a number of "leaps of faith" had to be  made regarding, in particular, the logistical
arrangements, the local partner institutions' capacity to deliver their part of the arrangements, and the
ability of the local academic coordinators to fulfil the role that was expected of them.  There is always
an element of uncertainty at the launch of a new activity, but in the case of the RTPCs this was
considerably exacerbated by the conditions prevailing in the planning and design phase. A projectwith a budget of over SFr. 2.5 million warrants that  the time needed for preparing it be commensurate
with the financial commitment.
IMPLEMENTATION
Course contents
29. The content of the RTPCs was essentially the same as for the three-month courses in Geneva,
except for substitute activities for those that could not be replicated.  The substantive parts of the
courses were intended to cover the same ground.  The substitute activities/lectures were thought toprovide added value in the form of the local/regional focus.  The requirement of research papers was
seen as a plus in the context both of regional focu s, as they dealt with national trade policies, and ofWT/COMTD/W/107
Page 8
the pedagogical approach needed to ensure some form of monitoring mechanism for measuring the
progress of participants.
Training methodology
30. An innovative element was to be the teaming of WTO resource persons with partner lecturers
from the region.  However, in Casablanca, the question of sharing the teaching with local professorsdid not arise as they had made it clear that in the absence of adequate remuneration, they would not
wish to be associated with the project.  Therefor e, the training methodology was basically the same as
in Geneva. A number of speakers from government  made stand-alone presentations, which were
deemed to be very helpful to participants in understanding the issues and problems faced by
developing countries.
31. In Nairobi, there was shared teaching for a numb er of modules, and this was possible with only
minor adjustments in terms of the remuneration initially offered to local lecturers.  That experience,the first in the history of the WTO, proved to be positive in most cases.
32. In operational terms, the methodology in both courses included lectures, case studies,
simulation exercises, question and answer sessions, and the preparation of a research paper on
national trade policy.  This was to the overall satisfaction of the participants.
Resource persons
33. In Casablanca, there were 18 resource persons from the secretariat or hired by the secretariat as
consultants, and 13 guest speakers from Morocco.  In Nairobi, there were 19 secretariat/consultants,
and 20 partner resource persons.  The WTO resource persons performed their usual role, with on the
whole good quality results.  For the consultants, however, as for the local partner resource persons,
with a few exceptions, there was not enough time for briefing them adequately prior to theirparticipation in the courses. This was remarked on by both participants and resource persons but, with
only a few exceptions, seems not to have had a detrimental effect on quality.
Course funding
34. Only ad hoc financing was involved in the project, i.e. neither the regular budget nor the
DDAGTF was tapped.  The following countries and in stitutions agreed to pr ovide special funds for
the project:  Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland and the United States and the World Bank.
For lack of time it was not possible to canvass donors (Members/Institutions) as well as might have
been done. The fact that a pledging conference had been held on 11 March 2002, at which time the
RTPCs were at best a gleam in the WTO's eye, and had elicited a generous response, no doubt
dampened enthusiasm for further contributions.
Implementation of the MOUs with partner institutions
35. The implementation with Nairobi went smoothly;  small adjustments were seen as reasonable
requests, and easily accommodated.  The various academic and other conditions were fulfilled to
general satisfaction.
36. The situation in Casablanca was more complex.  The partner institution insisted on the
application of WTO's obligations under the financial conditions of the MOU, even when it was
reasonably pointed out that these made little sense, as for example regarding the purchase of new
computer equipment rather than lease of computer equipment available on the site; in the end,participants had access to the WTO-purchased computers only in the last days of the course.  At the
same time, and despite the partner institution's best efforts, it was not possible to find a way to honourWT/COMTD/W/107
Page 9
the obligation with regard to convertible currency  issues, apparently because of Moroccan exchange
regulations.  This imbalance in the fulfilment of obligations caused frictions, and serious
inconvenience for the participants.  It will be important for the future to pay adequate attention to the
issue of convertibility.
Course locations (ISCAE in Casablanca and KCB Management Centre in Nairobi)
37. The issue of location was one of those on which the participants were the most critical.  Both
locations have shortcomings, that are almost the mirror image of each other.  The KCB at Karen –
about 25 kms from Nairobi – was considered as too isolated by most participants and not well suited
for leisure activities off-campus, because of distance from town and lack of adequate local
transportation, coupled with issues of safety.  This was to some extent remedied by the provision of
collective transport to town once a week at the weekend, but it remained a sore point.
38. In Casablanca, ISCAE is located about 15 kms from the city centre.  The accommodation on
campus being unsuitable for participants in WTO cour ses, they were lodged in a hotel downtown, so
the isolation was the opposite: after hours and on weekends the participants were in town and did not
have access to ISCAE facilities, notably the computers.
39. As to the type of partner institutions, the University of Nairobi proved to be a good choice.  The
staff they made available were entirely dedicated to the course and managed the project well, bothacademically and logistically.  The lodging and working facilities were adequate.  The equipment
made available to them received all the necessary attention and, except for unexpected power or
connection problems, was managed well.
40. The picture is more nuanced in respect of ISCAE.  That establishment is a highly respected
business school, but it does not have a particular vocation in the area of the multilateral tradingsystem.  By signing the MOU, it confirmed that it was interested in and capable of participation in this
joint venture with the WTO.  Collaboration with it would have been more effective if less difficulties
had been experienced in the implementation of the MOU.
Accommodation
41. In both instances the accommodation per se was adequate, but perhaps not ideal for stays of
12 weeks. Accommodation for such a duration should  comprise a bed-sitter with adequate work
arrangements, and minimum facilities.
Regular monitoring of the course
42. Monitoring was effected through various means:
(a) First, periodic visits were paid by WTO officials;
(b) Second, almost daily phone calls were made, faxes sent, and the situations discussed;
(c) Third, WTO officials and other resource persons were asked to report on their
experience.
43. It is extremely difficult to monitor an important  outside activity from Headquarters.  The issue
of a permanent WTO presence at such courses will have to be looked into.WT/COMTD/W/107
Page 10
EFFICIENCY AND COSTS
44. Cost-efficiency can be considered from two angles:  were the activities carried out and outputs
produced as scheduled, that is on time and at the envisaged cost;  what are the comparative costs of
RTPCs and Geneva courses?
45. The programmed activities were carried out on schedule and the courses terminated on time.
Indications are that the courses were brought in under budget.
46. An overall comparison of the costs  of the Nairobi regional course in relation to Geneva courses
reveals that the regional course cost less than the Geneva courses, although probably by a small
amount.  The cost profiles can be said to be broadl y within a comparable range.   In addition, both the
regional and Geneva courses cost considerably less than many other technical assistance and capacity-
building activities carried out by the WTO Secretariat.
47. The tables in Annex V report readily available and reliable information on the costs of two
representative Geneva courses and the Nairobi course.  At the time of writing, full information was
not yet available on the Casablanca course;  this cost information will be supplied to Members as soon
as it is available.
48. In order to make a valid comparison between Nairobi and Geneva, a number of costs which
have not been estimated for the Geneva course must be taken into account in making the costcomparison.  These omitted items, reflected in the Nairobi costings but not the Geneva ones, are items
that are in the WTO budget but not charged to training.
Geneva course cost items in the WTO budget not attributed to training
(a) Administrative staff costs for the day-to-day running of courses;
(b) Computer equipment costs – both capital and maintenance costs;
(c) Overhead running costs such as telephone, e-mail connections, stationery;
(d) Costs of amenities, including electricity and water.
(e) Rental cost of office space and lecturing facilities.
49. Without taking these costs into account in the Geneva figures, the per head cost of a Geneva
course is approximately CHF 18,500.  The corresponding figure for Nairobi is CHF 23,500.  If localadministrative staff costs and equipment costs are removed from the Nairobi costings, the per head
cost figure for Nairobi drops to approximately CHF 20,300.
1  It is not possible to make a similar
adjustment in respect of other overheads, including rent of office space and other overheads, as these
are included in the overall fee charged by the KCB Management Centre and cannot be separately
identified.  Without adjustment for the latter item s, the difference in total costs for the courses
between Geneva and Nairobi is just under CHF 12,000 in Nairobi's favour.2
                                                     
1 It should be noted that administrative staff costs are much lower in Nairobi than Geneva, so the
omission of this item from cost estimates in both lo cations considerably understates the cost advantage of
Nairobi.
2 The allocation of WTO staff teaching time has been excluded from both the Geneva and the Nairobi
estimates, while the airfare and per diem costs of getting  WTO officials to Nairobi are included in the estimates.WT/COMTD/W/107
Page 11
50. Moreover, office rental and other overhead costs have not been included in the figures for
Geneva, whereas they have been for Nairobi.  It may also be noted that costs in Geneva for a three-
month course will increase by some CHF 100,000 next year because the daily accommodation cost
for trainees will rise from CHF 73 to CHF 120 per participant.
51. A general point about these detailed cost comparisons is that they are very specific to particular
events.   If more regional courses are planed, some of the costs are likely to vary from those given on
the Nairobi case.  Such variations are unlikely to make a major difference to the overall picture, but
they must nevertheless be borne in mind for budgetary purposes.
52. In making these cost comparisons, four additional considerations are pertinent.  First, even if
there were a cost advantage in holding these kinds of courses in Geneva (which is not the case), the
option of Geneva is excluded by the fact that the WTO lacks the infrastructural capacity to expand
this activity further.  Second, the number of participants in the Nairobi course should have beenhigher, which would reduce the per capita cost.  Third, the direct cost comparison between Geneva
and Nairobi omits consideration of the fact that the Nairobi “output” aims to include significant
capacity-building elements through institutional partne rships and joint course delivery with lecturers
from the region.  Fourth, since the regional courses are intended to build capacity and transfer this
activity to the local partners over time, costs to the WTO would be expected to fall over time.  Thereis no such cost-reducing mechanism built into the Geneva courses.
53. A final point of some importance is that as a capacity-building activity, these courses cost far
less than many of the other activities undertaken by the WTO Secretariat.  Document CRP(02)39 of
23 October 2002 provides standard unit cost estimates for different activities.  These range from CHF
700 for training courses to CHF 2,700 for (non-training) activities at WTO headquarters.  For variousreasons, the unit cost estimates contained in Docu ment CRP(02)39 are not strictly comparable with
the unit cost figures included in the tables below for the Geneva and regional courses, but they both
point in the same direction.  The cost advantage of the training courses is accounted for in no small
part by the duration of the activity, where longer-lasting activities allow fixed costs to be apportioned
over a longer period of time.
EFFECTIVENESS
54. WTO’s technical assistance activities address identified needs and priorities of its Members.
The RTPCs are no exception.  The “Invitation to nominate candidates for the 1
st Trade Policy Course
to be held in Nairobi Kenya…” stated that “This new initiative addresses the clearly identified need
for African countries to strengthen the skills and knowledge of their government officials to face the
new challenges ahead, including those set out in the Doha Ministerial Declaration.”  Although no
specific objectives to be achieved by the end of the three-month RTPC were stated at the beginning ofthe courses, references to objectives have been found in communications related to the organisation or
the implementation of the courses.  The objectives that best capture what the courses were intended to
achieve have been retained.  Since these objectives were not supported by any indication of what
results were expected by the end of the courses, nor were criteria established for measuring whether
they were attained, an effort has been made to establish a framework for the expected results, as wellas performance indicators which may help in measuring the progress made towards the achievement
of the objectives.  The table below summarizes the objectives, expected results and performance
indicators:WT/COMTD/W/107
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Objective 1: Increase the o pportunities offered to deve loping countries, in particular the least developed
among them, to have their offici als receive the training available through the three-month trade policy
courses.  The backdrop to this included the references to capacity-bu ilding in the DDA, and
preparations specifically for the Cancún Ministerial.
Expected results:
a) Two three-month-long trade policy courses (RTPCs)
planned, organized and implemented in Nairobi, Kenyaand in Casablanca, Morocco on a pilot basis.
b) Increased number of government officials equipped with
solid grounding in the WTO and trade policy issues
confronting WTO Members;
c) By the end of the course the participants will  be
capable of applying the newly acquired knowledge andskills in their own work and for the benefit of theircountries’ trade  negotiations with other countries;Performance Indicators:
- Fifty government officials (27 in Casablanca;
23 in Nairobi)  trained in all important aspectsof the multilateral trade system;
- The papers prepared by them on salient aspects
of their countries’ trade policies were
continuously revised and improved;
- The two RTPCs have been completed on time
Objective 2: Imbue the course  with increased regional focus
Expected results:
The "usual" course structure was to be enhanced by
placing emphasis on issues of particular concern to theregion, and drawing on the experience of teachers  drawnfrom the region.Performance Indicators:
Local teaching partners, whether in shared
activities as in Nairobi, or in stand-alonepresentations as in Casablanca, have broughtelements of regional focus to many of the issuesdealt with in the course.
Objective 3: Establish the foundation for additional training facilities in the region, throughpartnership with local institutions, and by initiating a process of training of trainers, with the
involvement of local resource persons, with a view to progressively tran sferring to the local partners the
main responsibility for these WTO courses.
Expected result: Through successive RTPCs the localcounterpart institutions will progressively acquire theknowledge base and experience to organize, monitor theimplementation of and evaluate the RTPCs and will make
progress towards gradually assuming res ponsibilities for
the delivery of such courses with minimum assistance from
WTO; trainers recruited from within the African regionworking in a team with WTO resource persons will havecontributed to the courses by lecturing, running groupexercises and leading pl enary discussions.- Twenty local resource persons recruited for the
Nairobi course have benefited from workingtogether with WTO trainers in the delivery ofthe course. No such job-sharing occurred in
Casablanca, although the local speakers who
addressed the course on various subjects wereconsidered to have made a good contribution toputting the accent on regional/local issues. Asubstantial amount of documentation has beenleft behind.
Findings
55. In addition to the higher, course-level objectives above, the “Invitation to nominate candidates
for the 1st Trade Policy Courses to be held in Africa”, in its Annex 2, informed candidates of the
individual objectives to be achieved by the modules included in the course curriculum.  Those
objectives, however, were formulated more in the form of activities of the resource persons, e.g. “Toprovide the basic theoretical knowledge..; To provide a bird’s eye view..; or To cover the provisions
and functioning of …,” rather than as results to be achieved by the successful completion of the
particular module.
56. Neither the course-level objectives, nor the module-level objectives were stated by the resource
persons.  None of the resource persons applied formal performance criteria to measure theWT/COMTD/W/107
Page 13
effectiveness of the particular module.  However,  some of the modules included exercises, which
could provide an indication of the progress made by the participants in understanding and applying
what they learned.  In many cases participants made revisions to their research papers as a result of
the completion of a module.
57. The degree of achievement of the three course-level objectives has been verified and validated
through collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative information on the performance
indicators.  The analysis of the Participant Evaluation Forms (PEF), the Resource Persons’
Questionnaires (RPQ), as well as personal interviews with participants, local counterparts and
resource persons have provided evidence that from a substantive point of view, the courses have been
a success.  All the participants consider that the course has equipped them with a wealth of new and
practical knowledge and skills, needed for their work.  They made suggestions regarding
improvements to be made in the course curriculum, aimed at putting more emphasis on agriculturalissues and Singapore issues, and including more exercises based on examples taken from the countriesof the participants.
58. The inclusion in the course curriculum of a res earch paper to be prepared by all participants,
which can be used as a yardstick of the progress made through the course, is a useful tool. In general,
participants, and some resource persons, considered that there should be more in the way ofverification that the teaching in each module is being assimilated, i.e. ongoing monitoring of learning.
59. Where there were shared activities, smooth cooperation between resource persons was arrived
at between the WTO staff and the local resource persons regarding how the training job would be
shared.  This was done without conflict, but some comments are made about difficulties in dovetailing
presentations.  Guidance in advance of the presentation, for the sharing of information and training
methods between the resource persons, would have made their work even more effective, but time-constraints prevented this in almost all cases.  Moreover, resource persons were not given much
information in advance about the course programme, counterparts, etc. before they delivered their
modules.
60. The full documentation of the course (presentations, lectures, exercises, case studies,
background documentation, CD ROMs, etc) is being organized and made ready for consultation or for
further use as the need arises.  Assurances have been given that the equipment (computers, printers,
etc) will be made ready for the use of participants in any future courses.
Conclusions
61. The course-level objectives are formulated in broad terms, and give an orientation to future
activities aimed at decentralising WTO training activities to suitable regional structures.  The
complete achievement of these objectives cannot be expected from the two courses under review.
However, it is a legitimate expectation that these courses will make a significant contribution to the
programme-level objectives.
62. In the light of this consideration, and based on the above findings, the evaluation concludes that
the courses have been of benefit to 50 participants , and have equipped them with greater knowledge
and skills regarding WTO and the multilateral trade system than they had before.  Both courses have
significantly contributed to the first objective.
63. Regarding regional focus, the second objective, both courses made some progress.  In Nairobi it
was through the joint teaching activities, in Casablanca it was through the presentations made by
invited local speakers.  In both cases, most resource persons made a real effort to put the accent onregionally relevant aspects of the subjects they were dealing with.WT/COMTD/W/107
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64. As far as the third objective is concerned, the Nairobi course has provided evidence that it has
contributed to laying the foundation for future RTPCs.  Future courses could build on the experience
acquired in Nairobi.  Because there were no shared training activities, the Casablanca course did not
make a similar contribution to the establishment of a regional training structure.  Moreover, it was the
view of a number of participants that in respect of French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa, there areother venues that might be considered, in particular for relevance and potential for setting the regional
foundation for future RTPCs.  Altogether, progress towards achieving the third objective is only
partial;  this is very much a "work in progress".
65. Regarding training-of-trainers, the initiatives taken to form joint teams and share training work
in the Nairobi course can be considered as first steps only.  The experience is interesting also in the
light of the TI's mandate to pursue training-of-trainers activities more generally.
66. The courses have been experimental, and in any experiment not all the factors that influence the
outcome can be foreseen, even when adequate time is allocated for its planning and design (the so-
called "externalities").  In the absence of a proper design/plan phase, such externalities loom larger
than need be the case.  Furthermore, any course that has clear objectives, an indication of the expected
results and performance indicators whereby the achievement of the stated objectives can be measured
would greatly facilitate implementation, monitoring and evaluation.  Therefore, the idea of continuing
the experiment of the regionalisation of the Trade Policy Courses has to be conditional on adequate
human and financial resources being put at the disposal of the TI (or any other unit responsible for
this programme).  Decisions regarding more/expanded regional trade policy courses should also take
into account the existing portfolio of trade policy courses (long/short) in order to find a balance
between needs and WTO’s financial and supply constraints, and to avoid duplication.
RELEVANCE
67. The RTPCs were launched to meet the needs of developing and LDC Members and observers
of WTO.  The need addressed is twofold: a) training activities that enable the Members to participate
more effectively in the current round of negotiations, b) training activities that more generally
enhance the scope for DCs and LDCs to acquire the capacity needed to exercise their rights andresponsibilities as Members of the WTO, or as acceding countries.
68. The relevance of the TRPCs has been assessed from two angles.  The first aspect is whether the
RTPCs in Africa were the appropriate response to meet the above needs.  The second aspect is
whether the need for such training courses will continue to exist in the future, and if so how it can be
met.
Findings
69. With regard to appropriateness, an examination of the relevance of the RTPCs cannot be made
in isolation.  The Training Institute’s overall strategy to expand their training programme has to be
taken into account.  The TI has recently doubled its capacity to train government officials in Geneva,
and now extends to about 180 per year.  If a programme of up to five regional courses is envisaged (a
policy decision on regional groupings is required), then there are potentially 150 more officials who
can be trained.  In terms of numbers alone, this is an appropriate response in the light of the provenhuman capacity deficit faced by beneficiary countries, especially LDCs, economies in transition, and
small and vulnerable economies.
70. However, fulfilment of the short- and longer-term expectations is feasible only if government
officials who have been trained, whatever the numbers, stay in jobs related to the MTS.  This issue is
linked to the sustainability of the course results (see below).WT/COMTD/W/107
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71. As referred to elsewhere, the courses have illustrated that they can help Members build up their
cadre of skilled officials knowledgeable in WTO and MTS-related matters; establish regional training
capacities (valid only for the chosen venues); and have  a course curriculum, i.e. focus, that adequately
reflects regional/national specificities.  The Geneva  courses have less potential to meet the last two
expectations.  Even if, as indicated above under "effectiveness", the courses have achieved relativelymodest results in terms of regional training capacities and providing regional/national focus, this does
not diminish the potential of such courses to be fully relevant to the needs of the regional
stakeholders.
72. With regard to the future, the finding is that the need for enhanced capacity (both quantity and
quality) is not likely to be exhausted anytime soon, certainly in Africa.  The RTPCs, with their longer
duration, teaching methods and regional emphasis are therefore likely to be a good focused response
to real needs for the foreseeable future. However,  it bears remembering that this programme may in
future come at the expense of other training activities, and so “comparative” relevance becomes a
question to be addressed.
Conclusion
73. The RTPCs would have been more relevant if a needs analysis had been carried out prior to
launching them, as part of the planning phase.  Even so, the Training Institute and other parts of theSecretariat are in a good position to identify training and capacity-building needs from existing
information: the DDA, WTO meetings, TPRs, and regular contacts with delegates, and through
feedback from the evaluation of a great number of technical assistance activities.  The RTPCs have
been found relevant on both scores identified above.  The needs exist not only in Africa but in other
regions as well.  Thought would have to be given to the conditions and pace at which such needs canbe met, and in what combination of different kinds of TA activities, bearing in mind finite resources.
SUSTAINABILITY
74. Regarding the sustainability of the results of th e courses, it is considered that the expectations
were not unrealistic.  The following have been iden tified as being important from the point of view of
achieving sustainable results: a) participants equipped with new knowledge and skills; b) coursecurriculum and documentation reflecting increased regional focus; c) a pool of trainers recruited from
the region; and d) local partner institutions willing to continue with the experiment and gradually able
to take over responsibility for the courses.  These factors are intertwined.
75. With regard to a) trained participants , as for all TA activities, the continued use of their newly
acquired knowledge and skills depends not only on their good will but also on their being assigned to
relevant duties by their employers.  It is recalled that participation in these courses was subject to the
participants remaining in the field of WTO-related issues up to at least the next MinisterialConference.  It is encouraging that almost 90 per cent of the participants emphasized their intentions
to use the knowledge/skills imparted at work and to pass it on to their colleagues, thereby achieving a
multiplier effect.  Development of an institutional memory to sustain WTO and MTS-related
knowledge/skills in the national administrations will require time and further efforts.  To keep their
knowledge up-to-date will also require regular consultation of relevant documentation and the CD'sdistributed during the course, refresher training from time to time if possible, the use of the Reference
Centres and WTO databases, and networking with each other and with resource persons.  If the
participants were to receive more specialised traini ng in the future when opportunities arise this would
serve to buttress the gains.
76. With regard to b) course documentation , this has a sustaining effect only if it is properly
organized and maintained. For participants it will depend on the extent to which their tasks require the
regular consultation of this documentation.  The institutions selected to carry out the RTPCs mayWT/COMTD/W/107
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require additional support to have the documentation properly organised and ready for further use.
With regard to sustaining the regional focus of th e courses, the initial encouraging results can fade
away unless systematic efforts are made to develop appropriate case studies and examples focussing
on regional, sub-regional and country issues.
77. With regard to c) pool of trainers , only the first steps have been taken.  Maintaining the link
among them and also with WTO resource persons is key to sustainability.  This was encouraged in the
course programme by providing for shared teaching re sponsibilities, but this worked only in Nairobi.
With a view to consistency and efficiency, the sugge stion has been made that standard teaching kits
be developed to be used by resource persons, whatever their subject, which can further be adapted to
focus on local issues, and issues considered of particular importance. Given the uncertainty regarding
the continuation of the experiment, it is too early to judge the probability of continued professional
cooperation between the regional and WTO resource persons. Such relationships would certainly befacilitated if the regional trainers had the opportunity to repeat shared training with WTO trainers in
the Geneva-based trade policy courses as well.
78. Finally, with regard to d) support services  the partner institutions will acquire procedural,
management, organisational and logistical experien ce, through learning to address a whole range of
unexpected requests and to react to unanticipated situations.  More than one course would however beneeded to consolidate the initial results.
RECOMMENDATONS AND LESSONS LEARNED
Concept
79. The experience of the two RTPCs illustrates how important it is that a concept, no matter how
simple or sound, should be backed up by sufficient time and resources to give it a chance tomaterialize in an optimum way.
80. There is no reason to believe that it takes less time to prepare an RPTC than to prepare a
Geneva TPC, so the same time should be allocated for regional courses. Depending on circumstances,
in a given region, even more time may be required.  If the African RTPCs have been successful to the
extent that they have, it is in large part due to the heroic efforts of those who were assigned theresponsibility to plan, design and put them into effe ct, with some cost to other regular activities, both
in Geneva and in the venues.  It can be expected, of course, that if these regional courses become part
of the regular programme of WTO TA in the same way as the Geneva course, accumulated experience
will make organization easier over time.  Nevertheless, distance from Geneva and less intimate
knowledge of the regional environment are factors that may complicate matters. In the case of the
latter, one of the objectives of regional courses, namely the constitution of regionally based capacity
building in WTO matters, seeks inter alia  to overcome this handicap, by placing responsibility for
organizing courses increasingly on partner institutions in the region.
Design
81. The underlying premise of the RTPC was that they should replicate as closely as possible the
Trade Policy Courses that are held in Geneva.  The experience of both participants and resource
persons does not directly undermine this approach, but there is a clear view that the Genevacurriculum should be adjusted with regard to the following: (a) to enhance the regional emphasis that
is meant to characterize these courses; (b) to provide hands-on simulation and case-study work in as
many subjects as possible; (c) choice of subjects. (This is tricky as the course as delivered seemed to
aim at being all things to all people.  It is difficult to ensure that it is both a foundation course and a
course from which more expert Government officials can derive benefit.  In either case, or even ifboth aims continue to be pursued in tandem, it is important to ensure that the subjects which areWT/COMTD/W/107
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considered of critical importance to countries in the region are given maximum possible treatment;  in
the African case, the common complaint was that agricultural and Singapore issues were not
adequately dealt with); (d)  duration:  is 12 weeks too long, just right, or too short?
82. The fact that in regional courses the participants do not have the possibility of interacting with
Secretariat and delegates or of attending WTO meetings is not considered to be a major drawback.
83. In allocating appropriate time and resources for the preparation of future regional trade policy
courses, the setting out of realistic and achievable objectives and performance indicators that are
based on a sound problem and needs analysis is a must.
Selection of Participants
84. The method used in selecting participants for RTPCs was identical to that used for Geneva
courses.  Based on information available, discussions with participants and the views of resource
persons, it emerges that a small number of participants that attended the two courses did not have theminimum necessary background.  This is not to imply that a course of this kind would not be
beneficial even to them, on the assumption that they would be about to take up responsibility in the
area of international trade in their countries. However, such participants may have, quite
unintentionally, a negative influence on the course. Th is issue can be set squarely in the context of the
relevance of such courses for the needs of the beneficiary countries.  It is to be expected that ifadequate time and means are available for conducting a selection procedure, sufficient  numbers of
qualified candidates will be found for future courses.
Practical Arrangements
85. This report has not dwelt in great detail on the issue of practical arrangements for the two
courses.  These are above all matters to be dealt with by the secretariat/local partners, should it bedecided to pursue these courses.  Suffice it to say that there were many problems and complaints to be
addressed.  This is not altogether surprising in view of the experimental nature of the enterprise.  If
the conditions for organization are as they should be, some of these issues will simply not arise.  But
at a minimum it is important to remember that the courses are addressed not to 20 year old
undergraduates, but to middle ranking Government officials.  The conditions in which they areaccommodated, fed, and have access to teaching and support materials will be important factors in
ensuring a serene environment for learning, as will adequate communication channels with home.
There are no ideal arrangements, and even the courses in Geneva present some drawbacks from this
point of view, but experience will allow these issues to be addressed more systematically and
relevantly.
Choice of Venue
86. The selection of the two venues was, as indicated above, due mainly to the need to move
quickly and therefore to tap into the knowledge and contacts that certain members of the Secretariat
had with the governments and institutions which were eventually chosen.  On the assumption that a
programme of this kind will benefit from a long-term relationship with Government/Institutions in
each region in which the courses are held, the choice of the Government/Institution at the outset takes
on a critical importance.  Careful consideration sh ould be given to the method for selecting future
partners.  A clear list of specifications and requirements should be drawn up, as should an equally
clear indication of the respective responsibilities of the local partners and WTO.   An open bidding
procedure might be envisaged.  For Africa, therefore, no assumption should be made at this stage
about the continuing viability of Casablanca and Nairobi as venues.WT/COMTD/W/107
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Financial Considerations
87. Assured funding should be a sine qua non  before attempting to pursue any further regional
courses.  Whatever the mode of financing that is decided (regular budget, DDAGTF, special TF), the
budget should be clearly established and funding received prior to launch.  To do otherwise is not
prudent financial management, and there is a risk of creating liabilities for Members.  It would  alsobe worthwhile to canvass regional financial institut ions, which, if they were willing to be involved,
would reinforce the regional ownership of the programme.
Local Partners
88. The results of the experience in Nairobi are encouraging.  On the whole local partners both
academic and administrative, performed their roles as was expected of them and the quality in many
instances was highly praised by the participants and WTO Secretariat members.  The extent to which
the courses did have a regional focus was largely attributable to the local partners, who brought totheir teaching their experience of the region.  The sharing of work between the local partners and
WTO staff or consultants was as good as it could be considering the short time-frame for coordinating
the activities that were to be carried out on a shared basis; some collaborative arrangements worked
better than others.  For future courses, it will be important to canvass as widely as possible in the
region for suitable partners, and to ensure that when it is decided that particular course modulesshould be conducted on a shared basis, resource persons involved should have the opportunity
beforehand to consult together on how they wish to a pproach the teaching of their particular subjects,
bearing in mind the requirements of a regional focus and as many practical exercises as can
reasonably be accommodated.
89. The experience of Casablanca , where there were no shared teaching activities, highlights the
importance of adequate preparation and of foreseeing the kind of remuneration that will be attractive
to competent regional teaching partners, especially if the course is held during a period of vacations,
as was the case this time.  The amounts that worked in Nairobi turned out to be inadequate in
Casablanca.  Perhaps they would be adequate elsewhere.  In any case, it is probably naïve to think that
the "prestige" of participating in a WTO course as a lecturer will be enough to override economicconsiderations among potential partners, whatever the location.
Transfer of Responsibility
90. One of the aims of RTPCs was to initiate a process whereby responsibility for the courses
would gradually be transferred to local partner institutions, using in the main regionally based
resource persons, with the WTO secretariat becoming as it were the junior partner. It is early days to
take a view on how this will eventually work out.  The question of who should ultimately be
responsible for any capacity building exercises carried out under the WTO label is one that will haveto be carefully examined.  If the idea is that local  partner institutions should develop the capacity to
run programmes on their own, or more or less on th eir own, and under their own labels, then the issue
of the responsibility of the WTO is limited.  But if, even under these circumstances, the WTO
continues to be a major financial partner, the issues of responsibility and quality control for
curriculum, training materials and documentation remain relevant.  In this matter, as in so much else,the question of perception is important.  The aim should be to ensure that whether such courses take
place in Geneva or in the regions, Members and participants alike see them as being of equal quality
and prestige and that nobody should feel disadvantaged for having attended a RTPC rather than a
Geneva based TPC.  The conclusion of this report is that moving to such a situation will take some
time and will require careful monitoring by the WTO and local partner institutions to ensureconstantly that equivalence is maintained.WT/COMTD/W/107
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THE BOTTOM LINE
91. There are no convincing grounds to argue that the African RTPCs did not do what they set out
to do.  They offered the possibility of attending a trade policy course to 50 government officials who
would otherwise not have been able to benefit, or would have had to wait until there were openings at
the Geneva course.  In that sense it was an appropriate way of responding quickly to TA needs inanticipation of the Cancun Ministerial.  The participants were unanimous about having learned
important information and skills.  It can also be said that overall quality was maintained at a level
comparable to Geneva, at least in respect of substance.  In other words, with regard to effectiveness ,
the courses have made their case, and can be considered on a par with Geneva courses, once the
pluses (regional focus) and minuses (no contact with "real" WTO activities) have offset each other.
92. Therefore, debate about whether to continue with the courses will have to take place on other
grounds, including the following:
(a) Is it important to be offering more than 180 places a year (the Geneva capacity) in
long trade policy courses?
(b) What other forms of training may have to be sacrificed (or should be sacrificed) to
make room for RTPCs?
(c) What are the relative advantages/disadvantages of TPCs versus other forms of
training?
(d) What are the costs of RTPCs;  what should be the source of financing of RTPCs?
(e) Do RTPCs represent value for money when compared to costs in Geneva, or costs of
other forms of regional training?
(f) Where should the staff resources for running RTPCs come from, and what impact
might this have on existing programmes and other activities?
(g) How many RTPCs should there be (in terms of region and frequency)?
93. In other words, the debate is no doubt going to turn on issues of efficiency and relevance . The
conditions for sustainability  of capacity-building in terms of substance are the same for the Geneva
TPCs and the RTPCs, with perhaps a small advantage to the RTPCs because of the narrower  regional
focus.  However, sustainability in terms of ma terial arrangements will be determined by the
conclusions reached about efficiency and relevance referred to in the previous paragraph.
94. If, following consideration of these issues, it is decided that RTPCs have a future, then all the
other considerations addressed in the report will become relevant:  design, choice of partner
institutions, choice of participants, partnerships with regionally-based resource persons, logistical
arrangements, etc.  Despite the numerous problems that arose in these areas, even taken together they
are not of a nature to invalidate the conclusion arri ve at above, nor are they such that they cannot be
dealt with by the secretariat and appropriately selected regional partners, provided that the requisite
human and financial resources are available.  It should be pretty clear that any attempt to repeat the
courses, in Africa or elsewhere, under conditions si milar to those prevailing for the pilots, would be
ill-advised.  It emerges that the single most critical issue, apart from human and financial resources,
will be the choice of the partner institution, an important criterion for which will be the degree ofcommitment, or "ownership", it is likely to brin g to such an endeavour over the longer term.WT/COMTD/W/107
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ANNEX 1
WTO    OMC
MEMORANDUM
To: Director-General Date: 31/07/2002
From: Paul Rolian
Director, Technical Cooperation AuditRef: memdg_evalrtpcs
cc:Messrs Ravier, Low, Benjelloun-Touimi, Mercier, Osakwe, Mrs. Mailloux-Huxtable
Subject: Evaluation of African Trade Policy Courses
1. This is in response to your memorandum of 4 July in which you request a "paper" outlining
how it is envisaged to proceed with the evaluation of the two regional trade policies courses (RTPCs),
being held in Nairobi and Casablanca.
2. The views contained in this memorandum have been developed following discussion among the
main actors involved in the conduct of these course s, responding in this way to the requirement that
the evaluation is to be an inter-divisional project.  The Divisions concerned, in addition to TCA,
which will act as lead, are Technical Cooperation, Training Institute, Development and Director-General's Office.
PURPOSE OF EVALUATION
3. For these activities, as for all other technica l assistance and capacity-building activities, the
evaluation will aim to assess the efficiency, effectiveness and relevance of the  RTPCs. The remainingelement that is normally part of evaluation, namely long-term impact or sustainability, cannot be
addressed on the basis of these first experiences, except to the extent that pointers may emerge from
the assessments made on the other issues.  In any case, in this instance, sustainability is itself anobjective of the activity.
METHODOLOGY
4. In order not to "reinvent the wheel", and for reasons of efficiency, it is proposed to use all the
relevant evaluation tools which exist already, especially those applied to the Geneva-based trade
policy courses.  Any differences in methodology will reflect the differences in objectives and methods
that characterise the RTPCs, since no doubt these will  be the primary focus of attention on the part of
donors and beneficiaries, and other Members.
5. In a nutshell, the methodology envisaged will consist of a clear statement of objectives for the
RTPCs, a thorough canvassing of the actors involved, an analysis of the degree of concordance
between the objectives and the results, and a statement of the lessons learned from this firstexperience.
6. The basic approach to the evaluation will be to canvass the views of:
(a) Participants :  This will be done using a questionnaire which is being developed,
based on the questionnaire used at present for the Geneva-based trade policy courses,
supplemented by direct discussions with participants, and to the extent possible,feedback from their sponsors, i.e. employers;WT/COMTD/W/107
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(b) Resource persons :  By resource persons we mean the WTO Secretariat staff, the
consultants hired by the WTO and the regional-based collaborators.  Their views will
be canvassed through a specially designed questionnaire being prepared by theTraining Institute.
(c) Partner institutions , by which we mean the local course coordinators and local
institutions at which the activities are delivered;
(d) Government authorities , to the extent that they have been involved;
(e) WTO Secretariat staff , other than resource persons, who have been involved in the
design and implementation of the RTPCs.
In respect of (c), (d) and (e), the main method used will be personal interviews by TCA and/or
others.  TCA envisages being present in both locations towards the end of the courses.
OBJECTIVES
7. The overall objective of the RTPCs is twofold:
(a) As for the Geneva-based trade policy courses, to transmit knowledge to the
participants, to increase their capacity to  understand and work with the multilateral
trading system, with, as a background, the need to enhance their skills and knowledge
in relation to the on-going negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda.
(b) To develop and nurture institutional and human capacity in local/regional institutions
and human resources, with a view to being able gradually to transfer to them the main
responsibility for conducting this form of training and capacity-building.  We are
looking for a multiplier effect, premised on a notion of co-responsibility with our
local partners, as a means of responding to the limitations on our capacity, in human,
material, logistical, and financial terms, to do more in Geneva.
8. The evaluation will attempt to assess the extent to which expectations have been fulfilled.
These expectations relate to the participants, local collaborators, resource persons, the WTOSecretariat, and the host countries.
9. Elements that will be looked at in this regard include, in particular, the value-
added/disadvantages of RTPCs;  the design phase, including time-frame and the selection of
participants;  course content and delivery;  logistics.  There will also be an element of assessment ofthe progress of participants, who are required to complete a research project during the course.
10. The purely financial aspect of the evaluation will not be overlooked and the report will include
an assessment of the RTPCs from the point of view  of the costs per student and in relation to the
Geneva-based trade policy courses.
TIME-FRAME
11. The Casablanca course ends on 27 September, and the Nairobi course on 4 October.
Evaluations are built into the programmes for the very end of the courses.  Since the work will bedone collectively by the Divisions referred to above, the process of consultations will also take some
time.  As for the World Bank, it is understood that they will be conducting a separate assessment of
the courses, reference to which can be made in our own report.  This means that the general
evaluation is not likely to be ready before end-October, considering the wealth of inputs which will
have to be analysed once the courses are finished.WT/COMTD/W/107
Page 22
ANNEX II
PERSONS INTERVIEWED
CASABLANCA Ms. S. Alaoui, Administrative Officer
Mr. R. El Marbouh, Academic Coordinator
Mr. R. M'Rabet, Director, ISCAE
Mr. K. Sayeh, Director,
Ministry of Industry, Trade, Energy and Mines
NAIROBI Ms. M. K. Chemengich, Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Mr. P. English, Economist, World BankProf. C. Kiamba, Vice-Chancellor,
University of Nairobi
Mr. E. Manyara, Senior Assistant Director,
Department of External Trade
Ms. R. Ngesa, Administrative OfficerProf. J. Okelo, Academic CoordinatorWT/COMTD/W/107
Page 23
ANNEX III
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
CASABLANCA Algeria
Angola
Benin
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African RepChad
Comoros
Congo
Congo Democratic
Ivory CoastDjibouti
Gabon
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
MadagascarMali
Mauritania
Morocco
Niger
RwandaSao Tome and Prin
Senegal
Togo
Tunisia 27
NAIROBI Botswana
EgyptEquatorial Guinea
Ethiopia
The Gambia
Ghana (x 2)
Kenya (x 2)Lesotho (x 2)
Malawi
Mauritius
Mozambique
NamibiaNigeria
Rwanda
Sierra Leone
Sudan
Tanzania, United Rep. ofUganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe 23WT/COMTD/W/107
Page 24ANNEX IV
PLANNING OF TRADE POLICY COURSE BY W EEK – NAIROBI – 15 July – 4 October 2002
Week
Day1
15-19 July2
22-26 July3
29 July –
2 August4
5-9 August5
12-16 August6
19-23 August7
26-30 August8
2-6 Sept*9
9-13 September10
16-20
September11
23-27 Sept**12
30 September
- 4 October
MondayamIntroduction to
course
Mailloux-
Huxtable/
Prof. Okelo/
Prof. NgandaTrade Theory
Ayral
Pr. Ochoro (UoN)Market Access
Bijit Bora
Dr. Odek (UoN)Textiles
Hughes
Pr. Okelo +
invited speakerAnti-dumping
Human
K. MbekeaniTRIMS
Hancock
Pr. OkeloServices
Low
Pr. Ikiara
Dr. Njinkeu
(AERC)Negotiation
Simulation
LanoszkaTRIPS
Gervais
Dr. Sese
Pr. Nganda
Dr. OdekWTO &
Developing
Countries
Yeboah/GayiDispute
Settlement
AllbeuryReserved for
presentation of
Reports
MondaypmAdministrative
matters
Mailloux-
HuxtableTrade Theory
Ayral
Pr. Ochoro (UoN)Market Access
Bijit Bora
Dr. OdekTextiles
Hughes
Pr. Okelo +
invited speakerAnti-dumping
Human
K. MbekeaniTrade &
Investment
Hancock
Pr. OkeloServices
Low
Pr. Ikiara
Dr. Njinkeu
(AERC)Negotiation
Simulation
LanoszkaTRIPS
Gervais
Dr. Sese
Pr. Nganda
Dr. OdekWTO &
Developing
Countries
Yeboah/GayiAppellate Body
ZdoucReserved for
presentation of
Reports
TuesdayamGATT/WTO
History
Mary FooterTrade Theory
Ayral
Pr. Ochoro (UoN)Market Access
Bijit Bora
Dr. OdekStudy Subsidies
Human
K. MbekeaniExternal Debt &
Finance
Hancock
Pr. OkeloServices
Low
Pr. Ikiara
Dr. Njinkeu
(AERC)Negotiation
Simulation
LanoszkaTRIPS
Gervais
Dr. Sese
Pr. Nganda
Dr. OdekNotifications
Yeboah/GayiDispute
settlement
simulation
Allbeury/ZdoucReserved for
presentation of
Reports
TuesdaypmGATT/WTO
History
M. FooterOff. opening
ceremony
10:30-12:30
followed by a
luncheonRules of Origin
Rosenow
Dr. OdekAgriculture
SPS
Dr. NyangitoSubsidies
Human
K. MbekeaniTrade
& Environment
Sampson
Dr. RobinsonServices
Low
Pr. Ikiara
Dr. NjinkeuNegotiation
Simulation
LanoszkaTRIPS
Gervais
Dr. Sese
Pr. Nganda
Dr. OdekTechnical
Assistance
Yeboah/Gayi
Pr. Okelo
Pr. Ndulo (UoN)Dispute
settlement
simulation
Allbeury/ZdoucReserved for
presentation of
Reports
Wednesday
amWTO Basic
Principles
M. FooterEconomics of
International
Trade
Pr. OchoroCustoms
Valuation
RosenowAgriculture
Lead
Economist
from Ag.
MinistrySubsidies
Human
K. MbekeaniUNEP Visit
Sampson
Dr. RobinsonServices
Low
Pr. Ikiara
Dr. Njinkeu
(AERC)Negotiation
Simulation
LanoszkaTRIPS
Gervais
Dr. Sese
Pr. Nganda
Dr. OdekWTO &
Developing
Countries
Yeboah/GayiDispute
settlement
simulation
Allbeury/ZdoucReserved for
presentation of
Reports
WednesdaypmStudy Economics of
International
Trade
Pr. OchoroPSI, Import
Licensing
RosenowStudy Study UNEP Visit
Sampson
Dr. RobinsonStudy Negotiation
Simulation
LanoszkaStudy Study Dispute
settlement
simulation
Allbeury/ZdoucReserved for
presentation of
Reports
Thursday am WTO Basic
Principles
M. FooterRegionalism
Ayral
Dr. H. Ommeh
(UoN)Trade
Facilitation
RosenowAgriculture
Petschen
Dr. HaantubaAccessions
KessieTrade
& Environment
Sampson
Dr. RobinsonServices
Pr. Ikiara
Dr. Njinkeu
(AERC)Negotiation
Simulation
LanoszkaIDB
AlcalaWTO &
Developing
Countries
Yeboah/GayiDispute
settlement
simulation
Allbeury/ZdoucReserved for
presentation of
Reports
Thursday pm WTO Basic
Principles
M. FooterRegionalism
Ayral
Dr. H. Ommeh
(UoN)TBT
Rosenow
Dr. Nyangito
(UoN)Agriculture
Petschen
Dr. HaantubaTPR
KessieTrade
& Environment
Dr. NoorServices
Transfer of
Technology,E.commerce
LowNegotiation
Simulation
LanoszkaIDB
AlcalaWTO &
Developing
Countries
Yeboah/GayiDispute
settlement
simulation
Allbeury/ZdoucCourse
evaluation
FridayamStudy RTAs and Africa
Dr. TekereKenya Standard
Office
visitAgriculture
Petschen
Dr. HaantubaSafeguards
Kessie
Dr. Nyangito
and/or Pr. OdekRoundtable
Sampson
Moderator:
RobinsonServices
Low
Pr. Ikiara
Dr. Njinkeu
(AERC)Negotiation
Simulation
LanoszkaCompetition
Policy
de Sousa
Ms. HartzenbergWTO &
Developing
Countries
Yeboah/GayiDispute
settlement
simulation
Allbeury/ZdoucAdministration
Diploma
Farewell Lunch
FridaypmRoundtable
P. Low
Prof. Okelo
M. FooterRTAs and Africa
Mr. Musanda
COMESARoundtable
Rosenow(?)
UoN people(?)SPS
Petschen
Dr. HaantubaState Trading
Kessie
Dr. Nyangito
and/or Pr. OdekStudy Services
Low
Pr. Ikiara
Dr. NjinkeuStudy Government
Procurement
de Sousa
Pr. OkeloWTO &
Developing
Countries
Yeboah/GayiStudy
* People from UoN will be following the simulation.
** Dr. Odek and Pr. Ng'ong'ola will be following the DS module.WT/COMTD/W/107
Page 25PLANNING DU COURS DE CASABLANCA 8 JUILLET – 27 SEPTEMBRE 2002 - (SITUATION AU 28 AOÛT)
8 - 12 juillet 15 - 19 juillet 22 - 26 juillet 29 juillet -
2 août5 - 9 août 12 - 16 août 19 - 23 août 26 - 30
août2 - 6
septembre9 - 13
septembre16 - 20
septembre23 - 27
septembre
123 4 5 6 78 9 1 01 1 1 2
lundi
amAccueil
OMC/ISCAEThéorie du
commerce
international
BacchettaAgriculture
MoehlerTextiles
FortinAntidumping
TorresBase de données
intégrée
Alcala
(ISCAE observe)Mesures concernant
les investissements
et liées au
commerce
AuboinServices
SauvéTechniques
de
négociation
SanerMarchés publics
de SousaRèglement des
différends
EhringPrésentation
des Rapports
Lundi
pmAffaires
administrative
s
OMC/ISCAEThéorie du
commerce
international
BacchettaAgriculture
MoehlerAccessions
FortinAntidumping
TorresBase de données
intégrée
AlcalaCommerce &
investissement &
Dette extérieure
AuboinServices
SauvéSaner (cont.) Politique de
concurrence
de SousaOrgane d'appel
Lacarte-Muro(cont.)
Mardi
amOMC
Introduc-tion
& principes
fondamentaux
ReyThéorie du
commerce
international
BacchettaAgriculture
Moehler Jour fériéAntidumping
ISCAEEvaluation en
douane
NicoraJour fériéServices
SauvéSaner (cont.) Disponible pour
orateurs invitésSimulation sur
le règlement des
différends
Ehring &
Lacarte-Muro(cont.)
Mardi
pmRey (cont.) Transfert des
techniques
BacchettaMesures
sanitaires et
phytosanitaire
s
MoehlerJour fériéSubventions
TorresRègles d'origine
Nicora Jour fériéServices
SauvéSaner (cont.)
EtudeEhring &
Lacarte-Muro
(cont.)(cont.)
Mercredi
amRey (cont.) Théorie du
commerce
international
ISCAEAgriculture
 Ouali Tagma
Ministère des
Affaires
EtrangèresTextiles
Berrada
(AMITII)Subventions
Torres Jour férié Jour fériéServices
SauvéSaner (cont.) ADPIC
CurchodEhring &
Lacarte-Muro
(cont.)(cont.)
Mercredi
pmRey (cont.)Etude Etude Etude Etude Jour férié Jour férié EtudeSaner (cont.) ADPIC
CurchodEhring &
Lacarte-Muro
(cont.)(cont.)
Jeudi
amRey (cont.) Régionalisme
Pont-VieiraDéveloppeme
nt
FortinEnvironne
ment
TamiottiSubventions
ISCAELicences
d'importation/
Inspection avant
expédition
NicoraInvestissement et
concurrence
M. Baina
Chargé de mission
auprès du Premier
MinistreServices Saner (cont.) ADPIC
CurchodEhring &
Lacarte-Muro
(cont.)(cont.)
Jeudi
pmRey (cont.) Pont-Vieira
(cont.)Développeme
nt
FortinObstacles
techniques
au
commerce
TamiottiSauvegardes
TorresFacilitation des
échanges
NicoraEnvironnement et
commerce
Malitti
Ministère de
l'Aménagement du
TerritoireServices Saner (cont.) ADPIC
CurchodEhring &
Lacarte-Muro
(cont.)Evaluation du
coursWT/COMTD/W/107
Page 268 - 12 juillet 15 - 19 juillet 22 - 26 juillet 29 juillet -
2 août5 - 9 août 12 - 16 août 19 - 23 août 26 - 30
août2 - 6
septembre9 - 13
septembre16 - 20
septembre23 - 27
septembre
123 4 5 6 78 9 1 01 1 1 2
Vendredi
amInitiation à
l'informatique
ISCAELes Accords
Sud-Sud
 Chafik (CMC)/
Pont-VieiraAssistance
technique
FortinOMC
Documents
WeberEntreprises
commerciales
d'état
TorresLa problématique
des douanes
El Mossadeq
Administration
des Douanes et
Impôts IndirectsVisite CNPE Services
ISCAEISCAE
(au choix)ADPIC
Curchod
GervaisPrésentation des
Rapports
Vendredi
pmInitiation à
l'informatique
ISCAEPED et Système
Commercial
Multilatéral
Amallah
Chargé de
mission auprès
du Premier
MinistreNotifications
FortinOMC
Documents
WeberVisite CIDC Inspection avant
expédition
Youssfi (SGS)Visite CNCE
(Rabat)Visite
ASMEX EtudeADPIC
Gervais(cont.)Affaires
administrative
s/
Diplômes/
Déjeuner
d'adieuWT/COMTD/W/107
Page 27
ANNEX V
Nairobi Trade Policy Course
Costs
Expenditure KES USD CHFa
Local Expenditure
Per Diem 41,515.90 62,273.85
KCB Management (Meals, Accommodation, Facilities,
Overheads)6,524,500.00 125,471.15
E-Mail, Internet, Telephone 279,468.00 5,374.38
Computer Accessories and Stationery 372,477.00 7,163.02
Reproduction 277,595.90 5,338.38
Shipment 363,650.00 6,993.27
Transportation 378,858.00 7,285.73
Hospitality 403,678.00 355.00 8,295.54
Equipment 2,290,800.00 44,053.85
Local staff 575,500.00 11,067.30
Academic Coordinator 12,450.00 18,675.00
Consultants and regional lecturers (fees, airfare, per diem) 34,695.00 52,042.00
Total 11,466,526.90 89,015.90 354,033.47
WTO HQ Expenditure
Airfare 145,413.30
Per Diem 25,413.30
Shipment 4,612.30
Reproduction 8,595.00
Insurance 3,201.69
Miscellaneous 85.49
Total 187,798.05
Grand Total 541,831.52
Cost per participant (23 participants) 23,557.89
Unit cost (23 participants, 87 days) 270.78
Geneva courses, English-speaking, January-April and Spanish-speaking, April-July
Expenditure English - CHF Spanish – CHF
Airfare 91,841.00 74,837.50
Stipend 231,342.00 228,720.00
Hotel 155,558.00 159,135.00
Study Tour 3,886.00 4,862.00
Miscellaneous 11,108.37 12,159.49
Administrative staff costs n/a n/a
Equipment and equipment maintenance costs n/a n/a
Operating overheads – ‘phone, fax, email etc n/a n/a
Office space and utilities n/a n/a
Total 493,735.59 479,713.59
Cost per participant  (27  and 26 paritipants) 18,286.50 18,450.54
Unit cost (27 and 26 participants, 87 days) 210.20 212.00
a Amounts not in CHF have been converted at the official exchange rates.
__________