Open to opportunities

George Ikua

@georgeikua

Message

Trade facilitation expert delivering needs assessments and digital trade platform solutions.

Kenya

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek roles where I can lead multi-country needs assessments and strengthen digital trade platform adoption, working with governments, regulators, and development partners to build institutional capacity and improve regulatory transparency.

I am a trade facilitation and needs assessment specialist with over eight years supporting African governments, regulators, SMEs, and development partners on digital trade platforms, regulatory transparency, and institutional capacity building.

I have led multi-country needs assessments, designed and administered surveys and structured interviews, and facilitated national workshops to identify capacity constraints and technical barriers. My work produces consolidated, WTO/TBT-aligned reports with clear, prioritized recommendations to improve platform uptake and sustainability.

I combine operational banking experience in foreign exchange and trade operations with market intelligence and policy analysis skills to strengthen regulatory transparency, stakeholder coordination, and evidence-based program design across African trade and institutional contexts.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Needs Assessment Consultant

Current

Independent Trade Facilitation

Mar 2021 - Present (4 years 10 months)

Led multi-country needs assessments for digital trade and regulatory platforms across Africa, producing consolidated reports with prioritized recommendations to improve uptake and sustainability. Facilitated national workshops and analysed survey/interview data to identify capacity constraints and coordination gaps.

Survey Design Workshop Facilitation Stakeholder Engagement SPS TBT Transparency Data Analysis Report Writing Public–Private Dialogue

Assistant Manager – Foreign Exchange

Choice Bank Kenya

May 2018 - Feb 2021 (2 years 9 months)

Managed FX and trade operations supporting importers, exporters, and SMEs while ensuring compliance with cross-border regulatory and documentation requirements. Liaised with regulators and compliance teams to strengthen transparency around SPS/TBT procedures and improved digital workflows based on operational feedback.

Foreign Exchange Compliance Documentation Process Improvement

Market Intelligence Consultant

Tier Data

Feb 2016 - Jan 2018 (1 year 11 months)

Conducted market and regulatory assessments across African markets focusing on technology adoption and institutional readiness, and produced analytical briefs with operational and policy recommendations. Designed surveys and interview tools to collect insights from regulators and private sector actors.

Market Research Survey Design Interviewing Market Intelligence Policy Recommendations Report Writing