Sand Mba

Nigeria’s non-oil export conversation is shifting - from opportunity to execution. Yesterday, our Executive Director, Mr. Sand Mba Kalu, engaged with key stakeholders across the trade and export ecosystem during a high-level session focused on market access and SME competitiveness under AfCFTA and the UK DCTS. At the centre of the discussion was a critical insight from our latest Market Access Study: 🔷Nigeria’s export challenge is not market access - it is conversion. The conversations reinforced a shared urgency: 🔹Moving beyond awareness to practical utilisation 🔹Strengthening coordination across institutions 🔹Equipping exporters with real, operational capacity We’re encouraged by the level of engagement and alignment across stakeholders committed to unlocking Nigeria’s non-oil export potential. This is the work - connecting research to real reform, and policy to performance. #AITCR #nonoilexports #AfCFTA #tradepolicy #SMEs @ene_ikpe @kngparagonn @afreximbankofficial @npnen @official_customsng @afcftang @afcftasecretariat

Sustainability rules are moving faster than factory readiness in Africa’s textile sector, and exporters risk being shut out of key markets. From ESG compliance to traceability demands, global buyers now require proof, not promises. The takeaway? Adapt fast or lose access.

🌍🤝This Sunday on AfCFTA Insights, we dive into “Connecting African Markets” — exploring how strategic partnerships are unlocking new opportunities and accelerating intra-African trade. Join industry voices as we unpack collaboration, innovation, and growth under @AfCFTA.

The Executive Director, Mr. Sand Mba Kalu, took the stage on Tuesday 24th, to present the Market Access Study for Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Sector, a landmark piece of research commissioned to generate rigorous, evidence-based analysis of the barriers limiting Nigerian SMEs from effectively utilising the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat . The findings are both timely and sobering: 🔹 Only 10% of surveyed exporters have used DCTS or AfCFTA preferences in practice 🔹 62% of export constraints are domestic, before goods ever reach a border 🔹 58% of exporters are unaware of Rules of Origin requirements under UK DCTS 🔹 Access to working capital remains the most frequently cited operational barrier Beyond the numbers, one thing is clear: Nigeria’s export challenge is not one of opportunity, it is one of conversion. Mr. Sand Mba Kalu outlined in his presentation, the path forward requires coordinated action, from NEPC and CBN to SON, NAFDAC, and NEXIM, alongside a private sector that is equipped, not just sensitised. _ At Africa International Trade & Commerce Research our work sits at the intersection of research, policy, and implementation. lnkd.in/dxPciJY @afreximbank @cenbank @NeximBank @AfCFTA

Africa’s textile exporters face a defining trade-off in 2026: invest in ESG compliance now or risk losing market access and long-term competitiveness. Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s a gatekeeper to trade, shaping who gets into supply chains and who gets left out.1/2

Africa’s journey towards a unified trade market is accelerating. Drawing on insights from the AfCFTA 2024 - 2025 Implementation Report, this analysis highlights Nigeria’s growing traction in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area, as well as the key challenges shaping the road ahead. Key Highlights: • From Readiness to Real Trade Nigeria’s participation in the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), including its first AfCFTA-compliant shipment, demonstrates real progress in operationalising intra-African trade. • Market Access Milestone The gazetting of the ECOWAS Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions (PSoTC) signals Nigeria’s readiness for preferential trade under AfCFTA. • Private Sector at the Centre Increased engagement with businesses and SMEs is unlocking export readiness and strengthening participation in regional value chains. • Digital & Financial Innovation Advancements in digital trade systems and cross-border payments (PAPSS) are improving efficiency and reducing transaction barriers. • Inclusive Trade Agenda Dedicated initiatives for youth, women, and creatives are expanding access to AfCFTA opportunities. • Sub-national & Continental Engagement Stronger collaboration across states and active participation in continental platforms reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role. Challenges & Outlook Despite funding constraints, capacity gaps, and procedural complexities, Nigeria continues to advance through a phased and partnership-driven approach. Looking ahead, priorities include scaling value chains, deepening digitalisation, strengthening sub-national implementation, and ensuring sustainable financing. A Continental Signal Nigeria’s progress affirms its position as a continental anchor economy, demonstrating that AfCFTA is being translated into real economic impact. #AFCFTA 🔗 Read the full report here: [africainternationaltrade.com/2026/03/06/ove…

You are invited to participate in the #AITCR Weekly Trade Poll for African Countries What causes most delivery delays? @nbccng @NigeriaGov @InfoInsightsNG @LekkiPort @nigerianports @sandmba @NOIweala @GuardianNigeria @nbccng

Ideas exchanged. Policies explored. Partnerships strengthened. A quick look back at key moments from the All Africa IP Summit, where conversations around innovation, intellectual property, and Africa’s future took centre stage. See you at the next summit 2026. @AfCFTA @sandmba

🚨 @UNCTAD expose: Most climate finance isn’t additional. Same ODA projects double-counted for aid and climate. Few countries exceed 0.7% GNI target. Creative accounting inflates numbers while real aid stagnates. #ClimateFinance #UNCTAD @sandmba @_AfricanUnion @UNFCCC

We didn't just host a training. We invested in Africa's trade future. 🚢🌍 5 days. Durban. Ports Management & Operations for Transshipment, hosted by AITCR for delegates of the Nigerian Shippers Council, facilitated by @ProspenAfrica. From smart port tech and AI cargo tracking, to Incoterms, risk management, and future trade routes, the delegates left with more than notes. They left with sharper tools for the continent. Africa is not just passing through global supply chains. Africa is becoming the hub. More trade insights dropping soon 👉 africainternationaltrade.com #transshipment #africantrade #maritimelogistics #aitcr #nigeriashipperscouncil #portsmanagement #supplychain. @sandmba @Prospen @NgShippers @GuardianNigeria @nbccng @NigeriaGov

From 2026, African exporters may lose contracts not due to price but paperwork. ESG, carbon, and traceability checks now determine market access. 📥 Download the Export Compliance Checklist: drive.google.com/file/d/1sga7Fg… @BOINigeria @sandmba @AfCFTA @AfCFTA_Expert @NirsalMFB

A little-known story lies behind the 2024 #WIPO Genetic Resources and Associated TK Treaty. My new paper examines how Australia and New Zealand bridged divides in making the Treaty, unmasking the United States' isolationist diplomacy around #IP. papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cf…

Happy Birthday to our founder, Mr. @sandmba. Your vision continues to drive the mission of the @ITradeResearch, advancing ideas, research, and dialogue that shape the future of international trade. Wishing you another year of leadership, innovation, and impact. @AfCFTA @UNCTAD

Today, we celebrate the birthday of Mr. Sand Mba-Kalu (@sandmba), Executive Director of Africa International Trade & Commerce Research (AITCR) - @AfricaTradeLink. Through his leadership, AITCR continues to contribute to advancing intra-African trade, AfCFTA implementation, and regional economic integration across the continent. We appreciate your vision, commitment to policy research, and dedication to building stronger trade systems for Africa. Wishing you a year of continued impact and leadership. 🎉 #AITCR #Africantrade #AfCFTA #Leadership #birthday

In Aba & Port Harcourt today for stakeholder validation workshops on the Market Access Study for Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export. Convened by NPNEN, Funded by the NEST Programme, @FCDOGovUK Focus: Strengthening SME competitiveness under DCTS & AfCFTA.@

Join our webinar on Decoding Africa’s CTA Trade: Emerging Trends, Shifting Markets and Strategic Implications. Hear from top experts and learn how Africa’s cotton, textile, and apparel sector is evolving! Register now to save a seat: @b4dcb096-26a9-4af4-9dc7-d4269dd29115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">events.teams.microsoft.com/event/fff2b616…

March 2026 marks a new phase for the @ITradeResearch We advance trade policy, research, and IP frameworks to boost Africa’s competitiveness, support AfCFTA, and drive inclusive industrialisation. Join us in shaping Africa’s trade and innovation future. 📩 contact@it-rc.org |

Africa’s cotton, textile, and apparel trade is shifting fast. Join our webinar to explore emerging trends, new markets, and their implications for Africa’s competitiveness and industrial future. Register now: teams.microsoft.com/meet/343329776… #Textiles #Trade #AfCFTA #Africa

Africa’s CTA exports are growing, but resilience depends on what Africa exports. Our Risk Matrix shows compliance apparel rising, while raw cotton remains exposed. For the AfCFTA Secretariat, value, not volume, matters. Explore: drive.google.com/file/d/1Oswfg-…

This Sunday on AfCFTA Insights on @Trade_Forum_TV, we dive deep into “Global Trade Tensions: A Wake-Up Call for Africa in the Era of AfCFTA.” As the world grapples with protectionism and economic realignments, what does it mean for the @AfCFTA? Join the bold conversation. #Afcfta