CITP Spotlight: Yewande Olubowale, Trade Advisor at WTC Winnipeg

For Yewande Olubowale, international trade has always been about more than transactions—it’s also about how trade drives the global economy as a whole.

As a Trade Advisor at the World Trade Centre Winnipeg, she helps Manitoba businesses navigate the intricate pathways of  international markets, combining her experience in trade finance with a passion for helping others thrive internationally.

Two areas initially spurred her interest in international trade: Treasury and Trade Services.

“I was particularly drawn to the dynamic nature of cross-border transactions, which combines finance, logistics, and risk mitigation strategies. I found it fascinating to help businesses navigate these complexities.”

Finding purpose in the flow of global commerce

After university, Yewande began her professional journey in banking through a three-month graduate training program. Her early years in this industry honed her ability to blend financial acumen with international trade strategies, whether for risk mitigation, logistics, or cross-border transactions.

She was able to apply this learning later in her career while working as an international trade professional for FBNQuest Merchant Bank, where she drove digital transformation that garnered major results.

Using innovation and insight to move countries forward

One of Yewande’s most defining achievements was her role as a delegate representing FBNQuest Merchant Bank on a national transformation initiative led by the Central Bank of Nigeria. As part of the electronic Certificate of Capital Importation (eCCI) automation project, she was entrusted by her employer to support the CBN’s initiative of translating regulatory intent into a functional, scalable digital process.

She details, “The CCI is a document that verifies an investor’s foreign direct capital investment into Nigeria, this could be in the form of cash, goods, equity, or debt. This project transitioned the process from paper-based documentation to a streamlined digital system, significantly improving the facilitation of foreign investments, capital repatriation, and regulatory compliance in international trade.”

Through this work, Yewande contributed immensely to the modernization of a critical national trade infrastructure, reducing friction for foreign investors and strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s capital inflow processes.

It also highlighted Yewande’s ability to bridge innovation with  trad finance regulations—all core elements of her career success.

A creative mindset to solve complex challenges in the oil and gas sector

Later in her career, Yewande took on the role of Trade Services Officer, exposing her to a wider range of industries and increasing complex transactions. . One of her most memorable experiences required  her to use her problem solving and deep trade finance knowledge to enable  the export of crude oil for a corporate client.

“The transaction was challenging due to the complexities of the oil and gas industry, regulatory controls  and the high value of the shipments. To mitigate payment risk, I coordinated a letter of credit between the buyer and seller and worked with local and international parties, including customs authorities, shipping agents, and our correspondent banks.”

Navigating both the commercial and regulatory hurdles of the trade, the export was executed successfully and payment was received on time, strengthening the client’s relationship with the buyer.

“This experience highlighted the crucial role of trade finance in the oil and gas sector and the bank’s impact on the industry.”

It also highlights the importance of creative problem solving in international trade.

Opening doors through trade show readiness

While working as a Trade Advisor at the World Trade Centre Winnipeg, Yewande supported a Manitoba based jeweller preparing to exhibit her collections at an international trade show. The business owner was unsure how to take high value pieces abroad for display without selling them, and how to navigate the customs and regulatory requirements involved.

Yewande provided clear guidance on the applicable trade and customs rules ensuring the jewelleries could be transported, exhibited and returned without compliance issues. She also identified export support programs relevant to the client’s business and worked closely with the entrepreneur to strengthen her trade show readiness.

Beyond the exhibition itself, Yewande introduced the business to industry partners and trade networks to help expand its reach as well as open doors to future opportunities, giving the jeweller the support required to navigate confidently into global markets.

Yewande says:

“Successful international trade isn’t just about getting into new markets; it’s about understanding the rules so businesses can grow internationally with confidence”.

A commitment to learning and leadership

For Yewande, professional growth is rooted in continuous learning. Her decision to pursue FITTskills international trade training came from a desire to strengthen her technical knowledge and keep pace with the rapidly changing global trade environment. Her goal was to improve her service offering to the Manitoba businesses that are taking organizational and financial risks everyday by growing their operations internationally

“It was an enriching experience,” she says.

“I appreciated the real-life examples provided in the courses, which offered valuable insights into practical situations in international trade. The courses served as a great refresher, enhancing my ability to provide knowledgeable advice to the clients I support including international pricing strategies, market research reports, and international regulations, to name a few.”

Yewande offers sound advice to new professionals in the field of international trade: take bold steps.

She clarifies, “By thinking beyond immediate challenges and focusing on long-term goals, you can make more strategic decisions that lead to sustained growth and success.”

A favourite: The value of the Global Value Chain course

Yewande’s favourite FITTskills course was Global Value Chain. To her, the course gave her valuable insight into the complexities her clients face in their global operations.

“It was highly engaging and provided a comprehensive breakdown of supply chain operations, along with strategies for managing the risks of doing business across borders.”

Through this training, she has been able to bring even greater value to her role at the World Trade Centre Winnipeg—equipping entrepreneurs and exporters with strategies that help them expand confidently into international markets.

Earning the CITP: A milestone of mastery

Motivated by her passion for growth and supported by her employer, Yewande pursued Certified International Trade Professional (CITP^®|FIBP^®) designation.

“I applied for the CITP designation driven by my commitment to continuous learning and added value service to my clients, which aligns with my professional goals and career growth,” she shares, adding “I am grateful to my current employer, WTC Winnipeg, for supporting my aspirations and investing in my professional development.”

For Yewande, earning the CITP was more than an academic milestone—it was a symbol of her professional evolution.

“Earning the CITP designation is another feather in my cap and a truly rewarding experience that motivates me to continue striving for excellence. It reaffirms my commitment to ongoing professional development and further deepening my expertise in international trade.”

“I’m proud of my career growth, not only for my benefit but also that of the Manitoba businesses that I am privileged to work with at World Trade Centre Winnipeg.”

Looking ahead: Building stronger trade ecosystems

Today, as she continues advising Manitoba businesses on international expansion, Yewande sees the CITP as a bridge to new possibilities. “I believe the CITP designation is a valuable asset for advancing my career, as it will enhance my professional credibility and enable me to better serve the businesses I support,” she explains.

The designation also strengthens her connection to a global community of trade professionals.

“It provides opportunities to build a strong network across the international trade ecosystem, allowing me to collaborate with industry leaders and help drive growth within the trade sector.”

With great achievements already under her belt, Yewande is already making an impact in the trade sector, and with her strong growth mindset we can’t wait to see what the future brings.