Evidence-based decision-making for results
CTD's research pillar develops applied analytical capacity for Africa's trade and development professionals — producing evidence-based insights that governments, Regional Economic Communities, and the private sector use to negotiate more effectively, implement more rigorously, and compete more successfully in global markets.
Research products annually
of African economists & specialists
Active research clusters
Research Clusters
Trade Policy & Negotiations
Analysis of multilateral, bilateral, and regional trade agreements affecting Africa.
Trade & Investment Analytics
Data-driven diagnostics on African trade flows, export competitiveness, and FDI patterns.
Value Chain Integration
Research on Africa's position in global and regional value chains across key sectors.
Private Sector & Trade
Evidence on how firms engage with trade agreements and what barriers they face.
AfCFTA Implementation
Monitoring, diagnostics, and technical support for Africa's flagship trade agreement.
Services & Digital Trade
Emerging research on Africa's services export potential and the digital trade frontier.
CTD is building a network of African economists, researchers, trade specialists, and analysts who contribute to research production and quality assurance. Fellows gain access to CTD's pan-African practitioner network and co-authorship opportunities.
FELLOWSHIP BENEFITS
-- Collaborate on CTD research projects
-- Access to CTD data, networks, and resources
-- Co-authorship and publication opportunities
-- Build credibility in African trade research
-- Peer review and feedback from leading economists