Washinton, D.C., January 29, 2024 – In a significant contribution to the field of international trade and development, A. Prince Albert III, President and CEO of Goldwater Ventures, has authored a chapter in the newly released anthology, "Next-Generation Approaches to Trade and Development: Balancing Economic, Social, & Environmental Sustainability." Edited by Katrin Kuhlmann, co-founder of the Center on Inclusive Trade Development at Georgetown University Law Center, the book offers fresh perspectives on sustainable development in international trade. The anthology arises from a seminar course taught at Georgetown Law. It encompasses sustainable development and trade law’s overlap with other legal disciplines such as human rights, environmental, investment, intellectual property, and financial law.
Albert's chapter, titled "Africa’s Digital Dawn - Toward An African Continental Free 'Tech' Agreement," explores the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Albert argues that AfCFTA can position Africa as a hub of technological innovation and economic growth by adopting American legal innovations that are instrumental in the rise of Silicon Valley. He advocates for an intercontinental telecommunications infrastructure project, a continental intellectual property regime, and a privacy regime focused on human rights.
Albert, a Global Law Scholar and 2020 alumnus of the Law Center was among a handful of authors invited to speak about their chapters at the Center’s book signing. At the event held at Georgetown Law Center on Thursday, January 25, Albert stated, stated, “I am a person of African descent by way of the Trans-Atlantic slavery experience. In human history, my New-World Black identity is young, and African existence is our elder. But as a person of African descent, as a cosmopolitan, as a civil rights advocate and a technology policy expert, and as just a human curious about the infinite experiences of other humans… I know that we cannot go far without Africa, and our Grandmama Africa cannot go far without us.”
Albert discussed Africa's rapid population and economic growth, emphasizing the need for infrastructure and technological development. He advocated for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to manage these changes and recommended building a continent-wide telecommunications network. Using Silicon Valley's example, Goldwater’s CEO suggested Africa harmonize its intellectual property laws with global standards while incorporating traditional knowledge. Penultimately, he stressed the importance of a human-rights-centered privacy regime in the African Union to safeguard against the misuse of consumer data and protect fundamental freedoms. He ended his speech exploring the parallels between his African heritage and the interconnected growth of Africa, reflected in his artwork "UAC Nkanea Golwata." He then gave his original artwork to Prof. Kuhlmann and thanked her for her leadership, guidance, and example in inclusive advocacy for international trade.
Pamela Coke-Hamilton, the Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), praises the book: “The next generation of trade experts has arrived with a new take on how to make trade finally deliver for sustainable development.” Chantal Line Carpentier, UNCTAD Chief, commends the engagement of young minds in developing innovative solutions to longstanding trade and sustainability challenges. Gregory Shaffer, the Scott K. Ginsburg Professor of International Law, describes the anthology as a remarkable endeavor that addresses critical issues with fresh analyses from a new generation of leaders.
Further amplifying his impact, Albert recently provided expert insights on President Biden's AI executive order and its implications for Africa. In the news article "Biden’s AI Order Could Bring Opportunity to Black Immigrants," he underlines Africa's potential as a partner in innovation, particularly in agricultural technology. Albert called for a shift in perspective, viewing Africa not just as a resource but as a partner long overdue for empowerment. He advocates for educational and certification opportunities, drawing parallels with successful initiatives like Google's certification program democratized to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Albert's contribution underscores Goldwater Ventures' commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable trade practices that empower Afro-Diasporic and Indigenous communities globally, particularly within the technology and telecommunications sectors. This publication marks a significant milestone in Albert's distinguished career, highlighting his expertise and dedication to shaping a more equitable and sustainable world.
Please watch Prince's remarks below and purchase the book on Amazon.
Citation
Goldwater Ventures, Goldwater President Authors Influential Chapter in Global Trade Anthology, Goldwater Ventures (Jan. 29, 2021), https://www.goldwaterventures.info/post/goldwater-president-authors-influential-chapter-in-global-trade-anthology.
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