It is rare that failure gives reason for celebration, but the WTO ministerial meeting in Seattle has brought huge relief to African countries. From Lagos, Nairobi, Harare and Johannesburg, the collapse of the Seattle talks is being hailed as a victory for all developing countries. Nathan Shamuyarira, Minister of Industry and Commerce, who led the Zimbabwe delegation in the talks, told journalists upon his return that the failure of the trade talks was a warning that Africa should be taken seriously in next year's negotiations. Nigeria's manufacturers are also relieved. In separate meetings this week, the producers lamented that the world trade system had not alleviated the multiple problems plaguing the Nigerian economy.
African countries feel vindicated.
After four days of talks, protests by the civil society and rights groups, there was no new Round, no Declaration, not even a brief joint statement to thank the hosts or decide on the follow up process. For the first time in the history of the WTO, the developing countries spoke with one voice and never swayed from their positions. It was a memorable victory for them. They could unite on the issue of process. However, when issues of substance come to the fore, they are likely to get divided.