AELEX’ International Trade Practice Group is the foremost trade law practice in West Africa and offers an excellent team of professionals with high academic qualifications in international trade law, economics, commerce, and finance.

Our team is made up of cross-disciplinary experts who are members of various domestic and international trade organisations, chambers of commerce and other highly regarded professional bodies, possessing vast experience in delivering projects in several African countries including Nigeria and Ghana.

We routinely assist businesses involved in international and regional trade to understand the legal and regulatory environment and to conclude robust trade agreements, while ensuring compliance and identifying opportunities for growth.

Our work is grounded in:

  • A clear understanding of how trade agreements are developed, negotiated, and implemented.
  • Strong expertise in the regional and continental arrangements shaping the AfCFTA.
  • First-hand experience with the AfCFTA process, with established working relationships with the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
  • Regular engagement with Ghana’s Office of Trade Negotiations and its Ministry of Trade.
  • Practical insight into Africa’s economic landscape.
  • Links with international institutions and law firms in key jurisdictions, with expertise in WTO systems and rules.

We combine deep Nigerian and African trade expertise with an international outlook to help clients unlock new markets, mitigate regulatory risk, and resolve cross-jurisdictional disputes. We take pride in being agile, proactive advisors and we are committed to helping clients navigate the complexities of trade frameworks like the AfCFTA, WTO and other regional trade arrangements.

We have working relationships with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations, and we are keenly awaiting the commencement of business at the AfCFTA Secretariat in Ghana.

We have worked with the world’s most sophisticated businesses on market leading transactions

We provide legal advisory services to ensure our clients overcome trade barriers and conduct their businesses under the best conditions.

Our commitment to help our clients deliver strategies has seen us build a truly global network

We have working relationships with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations, and we are keenly awaiting the commencement of business at the AfCFTA Secretariat in Ghana.

Global Team. World class results.

Rebecca Ebokpo

PARTNER

Rebecca Ebokpo is the Partner in international trade and regulatory compliance at ǼLEX. She advises on AfCFTA, WTO rules, investment, and cross-border trade. A certified compliance officer, she engages with governments, regional bodies, and trade organizations, delivering strategic guidance that shapes policy, ensures compliance, and unlocks global trade opportunities.

Raymond Ofagbor

SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Raymond is a Senior Associate advising indigenous and international companies on cross-border trade, tax planning, investment, restructuring, and dispute resolution. He supports clients navigating regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s energy and commercial sectors and is experienced in drafting agreements, resolving disputes, and guiding businesses through the complexities of international trade.

Chijioke Ochogwu

ASSOCIATE

Chijioke is an Associate in the firm’s International Trade and Corporate/Commercial Practice Groups. She advises on business start-ups, corporate governance, and compliance. A key member of the AfCFTA-focused team, she collaborates with the United Nations to review trade-related laws in Nigeria, supporting reforms that strengthen cross-border commerce and investment.

Shalewa Akinde

ASSOCIATE

Shalewa is an Associate in the firm’s International Trade, Dispute Resolution, Transportation, and Labour Practice Groups. A core member of the trade team, she has published extensively on the AfCFTA, including a Business Day article on competition policy, showcasing her expertise in shaping Africa’s evolving cross-border trade framework.

Oluwatosin Fajolu

ASSOCIATE

Oluwatosin is an Associate in the firm’s International Trade, Dispute Resolution, and Tax Practice Groups. She advises on tax interpretation, contracts, and arbitration while pursuing her keen interest in trade logistics, agriculture, and textiles. She supports clients navigating cross-border trade, combining dispute resolution experience with insight into sector-specific opportunities.

Temisan Ocloo

ASSOCIATE

Temisan Ocloo is an Associate in AELEX’s International Trade and Corporate Commercial Practice Groups. She advises international and domestic clients on regulatory compliance, start-ups, restructurings, competition law, and due diligence. With cross-sector experience and strong international trade insight, Temisan delivers practical solutions that support compliance, investment, and cross-border growth.

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