This policy paper by Brendan Chukwuebuka Ugwu, Founder and Lead of the Trade Law & Policy Research team at the Young African Policy Research Hub (YAPORH), explores how low- and middle-income countries can leverage the WTO’s General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) to unlock inclusive, innovation-driven financial sector development. It offers practical insights on sequencing liberalization, preserving regulatory autonomy, and strategically aligning GATS commitments with World Bank support programs.

Drawing from case studies in Ghana, Senegal, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the paper highlights policy options for using GATS as a reform anchor, attracting responsible investment, and enhancing financial inclusion through digital innovation and regulatory modernization. It offers actionable recommendations for low- and middle-income countries and the World Bank, positioning services trade as a critical development tool.

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