Samuel Okonkwo
MSc. Development Economics, University of Oxford | Former Analyst, African Development Bank | Columnist, Financial Mail | Cited by World Bank & AU Commission
Samuel Okonkwo is the Economics and Trade Editor at The Future Africa, where he leads coverage of AfCFTA implementation, intra-African investment, and economic policy across the continent. Previously an economic analyst at the African Development Bank and a columnist for Financial Mail, Samuel holds an MSc in Development Economics from the University of Oxford. His reporting on cross-border trade has been cited by the World Bank and the African Union Commission.
Articles by Samuel Okonkwo
The AfCFTA One Year On: How Africa's Free Trade Agreement Is Opening Doors for Small Businesses
One year after full implementation, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has facilitated over $4.2 billion in intra-African trade, with small and medium enterprises accounting for 38% of cross-border transactions — a significant shift from historical patterns where large corporations dominated.
Impact Investing in Africa: Where Capital Meets Purpose in 2026
Impact investing in Africa reached $18.7 billion in 2025, a 23% year-over-year increase. Investments in education technology, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy are leading the way, delivering both financial returns and measurable social outcomes across the continent.