International market mechanisms for commodities: African countries and futures markets (a technical study)

Abstract

This study paper deals with commodity trade in the futures markets, which are the principal markets in which commodity transactions take place. The study is in line with the ECA secretariat’s objective of contributing to the development efforts of African countries. It sets out to analyze the existing mechanisms in international commodity markets, particularly commodity futures in which significant change continue to occur, and where African operators are constantly faced with the problems of price volatility and the uncertainties which bedevil trade in many of the commodities.