Masego Rita Maika is a Future Africa Forum contributor and expert. Masego, an Economist by profession, is currently working as a Research Fellow for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), based at its Sub Regional office, The African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) in Dakar, Senegal. Masego supports the Training and Research Division which is responsible for capacity building of its 54 member countries. She has a keen interest in trade related issues, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Agreement which she is currently exploring through extensive academic research and online courses. Prior to joining UNECA, Masego worked as a Programme Associate for UNDP supporting the Economic Diversification & Inclusive Growth as well as Governance portfolios. Masego has recently successfully completed online courses on ‘Making the AfCFTA work’ and one on ‘Fiscal Policy for Financing Sustainable Development in Africa’. Masego holds a Masters degree in Economics.