GTEEP
Gilead Trust Economic Empowerment Project
Evidence-driven policy analysis for socially inclusive development. We champion partnerships for African development, people-centered growth, and gender equitable economic transformation.
Our Activities
Driving evidence-based policy change through research, engagement, and empowerment across Africa.
Policy Research
Conducting rigorous, evidence-based research on trade policy, regional integration, economic development, and social inclusion to inform policy decisions across Africa. Our research agenda spans macroeconomic policy, trade facilitation, and structural transformation.
Policy Engagement
Bridging the gap between research and policy by engaging governments, regional organizations, civil society, and the private sector. We facilitate policy dialogues, convene stakeholder forums, and provide advisory services to ensure research findings translate into actionable policy.
Citizen Enlightenment
Empowering citizens with accessible information about policies that affect their lives and livelihoods. Through community outreach, media engagement, and plain-language publications, we demystify complex policy issues and promote informed public participation in governance.
"Data Speaks"
Our flagship data-driven advocacy program that uses compelling data visualizations, infographics, and evidence briefs to influence public discourse and policy outcomes. We believe that when data speaks, decision-makers listen — and act.
Youth Mentoring
Investing in the next generation of African policy leaders through structured mentoring programs, research internships, and capacity-building workshops. We pair emerging scholars and practitioners with experienced mentors to develop skills in research, analysis, and policy communication.
Women's Economic Livelihood
Promoting gender-equitable economic growth by supporting women's economic empowerment, enhancing livelihood opportunities, and advocating for policy frameworks that address gender-based barriers to economic participation. Our work focuses on women in informal trade, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
Our Philosophy
The core principles that guide our work and shape our approach to development in Africa.
Partnerships for African Development
We believe that meaningful development in Africa requires collaborative partnerships across governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector. No single actor can address the continent's complex challenges alone.
Evidence-driven Policy Analysis for Socially Inclusive Development
Our analysis is grounded in rigorous evidence, not ideology. We are committed to producing policy research that prioritizes social inclusion and ensures that development benefits reach the most vulnerable populations.
Data Speaks More Than Rhetoric
In an era of information overload, we let the data lead. Our "Data Speaks" approach ensures that policy recommendations are backed by solid evidence and that our advocacy is compelling because it is credible.
People-centered Development
Development must serve people, not just economic indicators. We center our research and advocacy on the lived experiences of ordinary Africans, ensuring that policy outcomes improve real lives and livelihoods.
Gender Equitable Economic Growth and Transformation
Economic growth that excludes women is neither sustainable nor just. We champion gender-equitable approaches to economic policy that recognize and address the structural barriers women face in accessing economic opportunities.
Who We Are
A dedicated team of researchers, policy analysts, and development practitioners committed to Africa's transformation.
Bola Akanji
Executive Director
Bola Akanji is a distinguished economist and policy researcher with over 25 years of experience in international trade policy, African economic integration, and development economics. As the founder and Executive Director of GTEEP, she leads the organization's mission to promote evidence-driven, socially inclusive policy across Africa. A PhD holder from the University of Ibadan, she has published extensively on the AfCFTA, ECOWAS trade protocols, and the gender dimensions of trade policy.
Tomi Adu
Director
Tomi Adu brings extensive experience in development finance and institutional management to GTEEP. With a background in banking and international development, she oversees strategic partnerships and organizational development, ensuring GTEEP's operations align with its mission of empowering African communities through evidence-based policy.
Michael Akanji
Director
Michael Akanji contributes expertise in project management and community development to GTEEP's board. His work focuses on translating research findings into practical interventions that benefit grassroots communities, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment and agricultural value chains.
Yemi Akanji
Director
Yemi Akanji brings a wealth of experience in organizational strategy and governance. With a keen interest in capacity building and institutional strengthening, Yemi supports GTEEP's efforts to build the next generation of African policy leaders and researchers.
Our Advisory Board
Distinguished experts who provide strategic guidance and direction to our work.
Olaide Adedokun
Advisory Board
Funmi Soetan
Advisory Board
Mike Faborode
Advisory Board
Joseph Oluponna
Advisory Board
Funke Mojubaolu Okome
Advisory Board
Board of Trustees
Providing governance oversight and strategic direction for GTEEP's mission.
Abayomi Akanji
Board of Trustees
Tomi Adu
Board of Trustees
Adenike Shoyinka
Board of Trustees
Featured Outputs
Key research outputs spanning policy briefs, data resources, and knowledge products.
Policy BriefPolicy Brief: Navigating the AfCFTA — A Guide for West African SMEs
Practical guidance for West African SMEs on leveraging the AfCFTA.
Data StockIntra-African Trade Flow Database (2018-2024)
Comprehensive dataset of intra-African trade flows from 35 countries (2018-2024).
Knowledge ProductGender-Responsive Trade Facilitation Assessment Toolkit
Practical toolkit for assessing gender responsiveness of trade facilitation measures.
Our Partners
Working alongside leading institutions across Africa and globally to drive evidence-based policy change.
African Development Bank
Côte d'IvoireInternational Development Research Centre
CanadaUniversity of Ibadan
NigeriaECOWAS Commission
NigeriaAfrican Economic Research Consortium
KenyaUnited Nations Economic Commission for Africa
EthiopiaUniversity of Ghana
GhanaTrade Policy Research Centre
NigeriaFrom Our Blog
Analysis, commentary, and insights on African trade policy, economic development, and social inclusion.
Trade PolicyFebruary 15, 2025
AfCFTA Year Two: Assessing Trade Flows and Implementation Progress
An analysis of trade flows and implementation progress two years into the African Continental Free Trade Area, revealing both promising trends and persistent challenges.
Gender & TradeJanuary 20, 2025
Gender and Trade: How African Women Navigate Cross-Border Commerce
Exploring how African women navigate the challenges and opportunities of cross-border trade, based on field research across West African border posts.
Data SpeaksDecember 5, 2024
Why Data Speaks: The Power of Evidence in African Policy-Making
How GTEEP's "Data Speaks" initiative is changing the conversation around policy in Africa by putting evidence at the center of public discourse.
Stay Connected
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest research insights, policy analysis, and updates on our work across Africa.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.