About YTS

Bridging the Gap in Global Trade

Moving high-potential young people from isolation into active participation in the global trade ecosystem.

The Young Trade Society (YTS) is a catalytic community and platform designed to move high-potential young people from isolation into active participation in the global trade ecosystem.

Founded and led by a WTO Young Trade Leader, YTS acts as a plug-and-play network that bridges the gap between fragmented trade information and actionable market participation. Our community operates globally with its core team based at the African Leadership University (ALU).

The Leadership

Meet the Core Team

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Olexa Heshima

Founder & WTO Young Trade Leader 2025

Olexa established the Young Trade Society to create a one-stop community where youth and MSMEs can engage in trade and navigate domestic, regional, and international markets.

C

Chisom Ogbogu

Co-Founder & Head of Partnerships

Leading institutional collaborations and community growth strategy, Chisom ensures YTS connects with global trade stakeholders effectively.

Advisory Board

Built on Expertise

Hang Tran

Counsellor, Development Division, WTO

Hang brings deep institutional expertise in trade policy and development, advising YTS on programme design and engagement with the multilateral trading system.

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Timothy Adamson

External Relations Officer, WTO

Timothy advises on institutional relationships and global outreach, bridging YTS with established trade bodies and international coordinators.

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Get in Touch

Connect with YTS

Have questions or want to learn more? Reach out to us directly.