Dr. Talkmore Chidede is a Senior Digital Trade Expert at the AfCFTA Secretariat. His expertise spans topics related to digital trade, international trade and investment, regional economic integration, and international law and arbitration. Since joining the AfCFTA Secretariat in 2021, he has led the development and negotiation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade and its eight (8) annexes. Dr. Chidede also played a key role in the development and negotiation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment. He is currently leading the AfCFTA Secretariat’s work on the implementation of the Protocol on Digital Trade.

Prior to joining the AfCFTA Secretariat, Dr. Chidede worked as a Researcher at the Trade Law Centre (tralac) based in Cape Town, South Africa, where he was responsible for building trade-related capacity in Africa, assisting countries to enhance trade governance and inclusive policy processes to ensure that trade contributes to sustainable development outcomes.

He holds a Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree in International Trade and Investment from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa. He also holds a Master of Laws (LLM) degree (CUM LAUDE) in International Trade and Investment, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. He further holds several professional certificates in digital trade related areas.