Amanda Sunassee is an international trade and private sector development expert with over 20 years experience providing trade policy and capacity building support to developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, for the analysis, negotiation, and implementation of trade agreements and implementation of private sector development strategies as well as project design.

In her capacity as Trade Adviser in Tanzania, Amanda Sunassee worked on the implementation of 9th EDF and 10th EDF programmes, and formulation of 11th EDF programmes for the EAC and ESA-IOC region. She has through her work in Laos, been involved in preparation of competitiveness strategy for Laos. Her assignment in Laos has also brought her to work actively on Aid effectiveness issues, donor coordination and the set up of trade SWAPS and multi donor trust funds.

She has extensive experience with the Regional Integration Agenda, including ASEAN, COMESA, EAC and SADC, having spent five years as Team Leader advising the Ministry of EAC in Buurndi on regional integration issues.

She is currently working with the EAC Secretariat for the implementation of a support program for the implementation of the Tripartite FTA , with a focus on export development to the EU market. Throughout her career, Amanda has undertaken numerous assignments to assist governments to design and implement trade policy strategies, and has advised negotiation teams particularly in the context of EPAs and WTO negotiations. She has also been working extensively on institutional transformation and institutional capacity building within the scope of the core intervention area in trade, regional integration and private sector development.

Amanda has also lead the preparation of the 2022 EU Africa Business Forum and other high-level business networking events in the area of green energy and circular economy.