CSEA Trains Enumerators for AfCFTA Women in Trade Study

The Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) organised  a one-day training on September 22, 2025 to prepare enumerators for its ongoing study on women’s participation in cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The research explores how access to AfCFTA-related information and digital platforms influences women’s willingness to engage in trade and sustain participation  in cross-border markets. Senior Research Fellow, Thelma Obiakor, presented an overview of the study’s objectives and methodology, whileResearch Associate, Anthony Bisong, provided insights on AfCFTA’s relevance to women traders and the role of digital tools in promoting inclusive  trade opportunities.

The training also featured a hands-on session led by Research Assistant, Salihu Abdulkhalid, who guided participants through the use of SurveyCTO for data collection, covering installation, navigation of survey modules, and effective interviewing techniques. The program concluded with fieldwork protocols on interview targets, compliance, and pilot testing, ensuring that enumerators are fully equipped for high-quality data collection.

Through these sessions, CSEA continues to build the capacity of its field teams to generate reliable data that will inform inclusive trade policies and promote women’s economic empowerment under the AfCFTA.