Oby Ezekwesili, Senior Economic Advisor for the Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative says economic history shows that without trade it is almost impossible to achieve development. She also stressed the need for Africa to improve its trade relations with the rest of the world as it only accounts for about 2 percent of global trade. She discussed this and the importance of the AfCFTA with CNBC Africa’s Christy Cole.

The withdrawal of Oby Ezekwesili, a former Nigerian minister from the presidential race, has pushed farther any quest for a female Nigerian president.

Oby Ezekwesili dances with supporters after withdraw from the presidential race.

Oby Ezekwesili opens up on her rough political journey.

Oby Ezekwesili's emotional speech as she takes a bow from 2019 presidential campaign.

One of the few female presidential aspirants in Nigeria’s forthcoming election has thrown in the towel. Oby Ezekwesili announced her withdrawal from Nigeria’s presidential race on Thursday morning to the shock of many.

Oby Ezekwesili shuts down Karu as she begins presidential campaign.

Twice a minister, first for education and later solid minerals under President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Oby Ezekwesili is not alien to the workings of the government. Her effort to make government procurement processes accountable and transparent as the pioneer head of the Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit earned her the nickname Madam Due Process.

Obiageli Ezekwesili popularly known as Oby Ezekwesili is a chartered accountant and a presidential aspirant from Anambra state.

Moment Oby Ezekwesili went off script as she emerges presidential candidate.

Buhari violates my right to free movement, Oby Ezekwesili alleges.

Police detain Oby Ezekwesili, BBOG protesters in 'Human Prison'.