US Commerce Department Names Banksharon Nwaneri Specialist
Banksharon Nwaneri, a Commercial Specialist at the U.S. Department of Commerce, has built a career around creating meaningful connections that unlock opportunity in international trade. He earned his CITP designation in June 2025.
As an international trade professional, Nwaneri’s work is grounded in impact, ranging from finding trade solutions for expanding U.S. businesses to driving broader transformations that create a more connected world.
Creating Strategic Partnerships
Nwaneri enjoys building strategic partnerships, connecting people and businesses with opportunities, and seeing them grow from the point where he met them—despite barriers and obstacles. He helps U.S. companies enter new markets, win bids, and overcome trade barriers that could limit their success.
He’s passionate about advancing inclusive economic growth in emerging markets and forging relationships that create real impact for both U.S. and local stakeholders.
A Career Defined by Cross-Sector Expertise
Before joining the U.S. Embassy, Nwaneri led strategic partnerships and business development initiatives at the British Council. He developed commercial collaboration between U.K. companies and foreign markets, facilitated the export of U.K. goods and services, and expanded U.K. education brands through local partnerships.
One of his proudest accomplishments was spearheading a key B2B initiative for the British Council’s IELTS Program. The initiative focused on reversing the decline in market share relative to competitors.
Nwaneri’s plan resulted in a measurable increase in market share and uptake of the British Council IELTS across B2B partner channels, demonstrating effective strategy execution from ideation to launch.
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A Breadth of Banking and Finance Expertise
Before working for the British Council, Nwaneri spent over a decade in commercial banking and development finance, overseeing the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) portfolio within the region.
He managed $500 million in liability products and $200 million in risk assets, setting ambitious quarterly and annual sales and relationship targets, and exceeding them.
Nwaneri’s success wasn’t just about numbers; it was a meaningful reflection of his ability to build strong client relationships, effectively sell additional products, and handle complex financial product offerings.
For professionals looking to enter international trade, Nwaneri offers one clear piece of advice: preparation is everything. Avoid rushing into new markets without deeply understanding local consumer behavior, competition, laws, tariffs, labeling, and Incoterm nuances.
Nwaneri pursued the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation to formalize and validate the breadth of his experience.
The international trade sector is complex, and professionals like Nwaneri play a significant role in facilitating trade between countries. They work with organizations like the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT), which is the standards, certification, and training body dedicated to providing international business training, resources, and professional certification to individuals and businesses, including those seeking CITP certification.
