Mahad Mohamed Abukar, born in Mogadishu, Somalia, is a highly accomplished professional in international relations, legal affairs, and trade policy. With a rich background in both governmental and international roles, Mahad is a key contributor to Somalia's global engagements. Mahad provides crucial legal counsel, overseeing contractual management, treaties, conventions, and protocols related to International Treaties. he served on the EAC negotiation team, actively shaping regional trade policies, and is a vital member of the Somali National Trade Facilitation Committee, contributing significantly to Somalia's accession to the WTO. Mahad's expertise extends to trade policy and law, where he demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of negotiation models, sectorial development, legislative and agreement drafting . His notable contribution includes evaluating the liberalization of services under the AfCFTA within the East African Community, analyzing the schedule of commitments in detail. As part of a dynamic group, Mahad played a crucial role in assessing the impact of the AfCFTA on the liberalization of services, providing valuable insights into the readiness of EAC member states. Additionally, his involvement in consulting on the AfCFTA's implementation strategy in Somalia highlights his commitment to shaping policies that facilitate seamless integration. Mahad's academic journey reflects his dedication, holding a Master of International Trade Policy Law (MITPL) from Lund University, Sweden, he is currently completing his thesis, He also earned an Executive Post-Graduate Diploma in International Trade Policy and Trade Law from TRAPCA, Tanzania. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through certifications, including a Diploma of Trade Academy from the National Board of Trade of Sweden, a Post-graduate Diploma of International Law from Somali National University, and an Under-Graduate Diploma of Law from Mogadishu University. Starting with a strong foundation in business administration, Mahad earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration (BBA) from Mogadishu University. He furthered his education, completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in International Business from Asia e University, Malaysia. Mahad's academic and professional achievements showcase his dedication to excellence and ongoing development.

Kasonde Chituta is a seasoned trade expert who holds a Master’s in International Trade Policy and Trade Law and is renowned for his work in intra-African trade and Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) readiness. He is proficient in trade in goods, data analytics and trade, trade in services, with a focus on telecommunications and mobile money services, and trade facilitation in Africa. With a career spanning almost five years, he has navigated the complexities of international agreements and enabled countries from Eastern and Southern Africa to leverage such agreements. More recently, he worked on a study on the relevance of the EAC treaty in the light of current trends such as the digital economy and mobile money payments. He was also instrumental in developing the AfCFTA Implementation Strategy for Zambia and has consulted on various trade facilitation projects at various border points in Zambia.

Thandeka P. Dlamini, a dedicated trade economist, brings over 7 years of professional experience to the international trade arena, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to achieving sustainable and inclusive global economic development. Educationally, Thandeka holds a Master of Science Degree in International Trade Policy and Trade Law from Lund University, Sweden, She is currently completing her thesis, having concluded coursework in November 2023. Her academic journey also includes an Executive Post-Graduate Diploma in International Trade Policy and Trade Law (Advanced Level) from Lund University, as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Business and Trade from Ming Chuan University, Taipei, Taiwan. In her professional journey, Thandeka has accumulated diverse skills, including economic development-related research and analysis, project management, and proficiency in data analysis tools such as Stata and SPSS. She is also adept at using various databases like World Development Indicators (WDI) and ITC TradeMap. Thandeka's career milestones include serving as a Trade Facilitation Consultant at the World Bank Group for the Eswatini National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) Secretariat. Here, she played a pivotal role in the establishment of the NTFC, contributing to gap assessments and the implementation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement. Her strategic mindset and leadership abilities were further demonstrated during her tenure as a Senior Officer for Trade and Commerce at Business Eswatini. Thandeka provided essential support and advice on policy matters, developed advocacy papers, and actively influenced trade and commerce policies nationally, regionally, and internationally.

Reboneng Mokoa is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in coordinating and spearheading impactful business and investment climate reforms. As an independent consultant based in Lesotho, Reboneng has dedicated over 12 years to driving positive change in the economic landscape, particularly in areas such as public-private dialogue, policy advocacy, and stakeholder coordination. His educational journey reflects a commitment to continuous learning and expertise development. Reboneng holds an MSc in International Trade Policy and Trade Law, complemented by an Executive Post-Graduate Diploma in the same field. His foundational academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Business Administration. Reboneng has actively contributed Over the years to Lesotho's development, with a strong focus on women's economic empowerment, MSME development, and quantitative and qualitative research. In his recent role as the Investment Climate Reforms Manager at the Lesotho National Development Corporation, Reboneng played a pivotal role in monitoring and evaluating Lesotho's business and investment climate reforms. He led projects that showcased his dedication to sustainable development, women and youth empowerment, and job creation. Noteworthy is his involvement in the Lesotho Supplier Development Programme (LSDP) Beneficiaries Baseline Study and the Maseru Fresh Produce Market Center Feasibility Study, where he demonstrated his skills in stakeholder coordination, data analysis, and advocating for impactful reforms. His research contributions extend to a comprehensive study on "The Impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on the Lesotho Textile and Apparel Industry," showcasing his analytical prowess and dedication to understanding the implications of global trade agreements. Reboneng Mokoa's dynamic career underscores his commitment to shaping Lesotho's economic landscape and advocating for policies that foster inclusivity and sustainable growth. His strategic vision and expertise make him a valuable asset in the realm of international trade and economic development.

Mantegbosh Gidey is a Team Manager in Development bank of Ethiopia, Food and Agro-processing Directorate. Mantegbosh has over 14 years of work experience in development project financing and project management with Development bank of Ethiopia. Her role as a team manager includes leading the team toward effective and goal oriented team work, plan for budget and day to day activity, follow-up on the activity and report, act as lesion between expert, customers and Director of the bank. Mantegbosh also worked as Sr. loan officer, Sr. fund management officer and Sr. project rehabilitation and loan recovery officer among other position. Mantegbosh has BA degree in Management from Mekelle University, Ethiopia. Executive Post Graduate Diploma in International Trade Policy and Law from Lund University and Post Graduate Certificate in International Trade Development and Law from Lund University. Mantegbosh holds a Master of Science degree in international trade policy and law from Lund University, Sweden. Currently working on her thesis, having completed coursework in November 2023. Working for Development Bank of Ethiopia she played a major role in turning around projects that are ceased operation in to their current position and resume operation by sustaining 273 employment opportunity and pay their debt as well as establishing projects that have strategically importance in fostering growth and development in the county like textile and garment manufacturing projects, flower farms, dairy and dairy product producing projects and malt manufacturing project to name the list. Her team spirit, communication skill and critical thinking makes her an important asset to international trade and Development project finances.

Abdirashid Mohamed Aden is a distinguished individual with extensive expertise in domestic and international law, as well as international relations. He pursued his academic journey, achieving an L.L.M Master of Laws from the International Islamic University in Islamabad from 1992 to 1998 and a Bachelor of Law (L.L.B) from the same university between 1988 and 1992. Abdirashid's dedication to continuous learning is reflected in his pursuit of various certifications and courses. Throughout his career, he has played pivotal roles in legal consultancy, where his responsibilities encompass providing legal advice, Legislative drafting, preparing legal documents, and contributing insightful legal analysis. Abdirashid's international exposure extends to his role as a Corporate Legal Adviser at Amal Express Group of Companies in Dubai from 2003 to 2014. He is also a proud member of the Somali Lawyers and Somali Bar Association, underscoring his commitment to professional growth. His diverse background, coupled with his multi-lingual proficiency and unwavering commitment to excellence, positions Abdirashid as a valuable asset in STC Law Firm.