Methodological Approaches to Analysing the Impact of the AfCFTA on Women-Led SME Cross-Border Trade: A Comparative Study of Ghana and Nigeria (2010–2024)

This methodology article addresses the critical gap in robust analytical frameworks for assessing the gendered impacts of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It presents a novel, comparative mixed-methods approach designed to rigorously analyse the effects of AfCFTA protocols on cross-border trade facilitation for women entrepreneurs in Ghana and Nigeria. The temporal scope covers the period from 2010, establishing a pre-AfCFTA baseline, through to 2024. The framework systematically combines longitudinal analysis of national trade data with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with women SME owners, policymakers, and trade association representatives. This triangulation captures both macro-level quantitative shifts and the nuanced, lived experiences of navigating new trade rules. The methodology’s comparative design facilitates the identification of country-specific enablers and barriers while isolating overarching continental trends. By prioritising African-centred knowledge production, the approach moves beyond purely economic metrics to incorporate the socio-cultural and regulatory factors that shape women’s trade participation. The article contends that this comprehensive and rigorous framework is essential for generating actionable, evidence-based policy recommendations. Its ultimate aim is to ensure AfCFTA implementation actively promotes gender-equitable growth and empowers women as key drivers of African economic integration.