AI and digital trade skills are being made available to 7 500 SMEs on the continent through the AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme.
The new, free training initiative is a collaboration between Google and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and will be powered by the Google Hustle Academy.
Small businesses are the backbone of Africa’s economy, generating nearly 80% of jobs across the continent. This programme is designed to close the digital skills gap by providing entrepreneurs with AI-powered solutions and localised training that addresses the real-world demands of today’s market. The initiative will build on the success of the Google Hustle Academy, which has supported over 18 000 SMEs across Africa since 2022.
“The programme aligns with the transformative goal of the AfCFTA – particularly outlined in the Protocol on Digital Trade and the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade – to position MSMEs, women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural farmers, and other stakeholders as key drivers and beneficiaries of the AfCFTA,” says Wamkele Mene, secretary-general of the AfCFTA Secretariat. “It is the demonstration of our commitment to fostering digital inclusion and empowering MSMEs to trade under the AfCFTA using digital technologies.”
Charles Murito, Google’s regional director for Government Affairs and Public Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa, adds: “Technology is a powerful equalizer and this partnership is about providing thousands of African entrepreneurs with the practical tools and knowledge to unlock new opportunities. By focusing on critical areas like AI, e-commerce, and cross-border trade we’re helping to build a more connected and prosperous digital ecosystem across the continent. This is a testament to our ongoing commitment to Africa’s vibrant and dynamic business community.”
The training focuses on action-oriented learning through three core modules and will be delivered in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to ensure accessibility for entrepreneurs across Africa:
- Cross-border digital trade: Co-created with the AfCFTA Secretariat, this module turns policy into practice. Entrepreneurs will learn to find new markets, adapt products, and master the logistics of cross-border payments and shipping.
- Cloud for small businesses: This module focuses on using cloud tools to boost efficiency and cut costs. Participants get hands-on training with Google Workspace for teamwork and Google Cloud for secure operations.
- AI for productivity: This module provides practical skills to scale a business using AI. Entrepreneurs will learn to use tools like Google Gemini to automate tasks, create marketing content, and analyse customer data.
UpSkill Universe, a leading digital skills training provider, will manage the programme delivery.
“Entrepreneurs across Africa are already driving change,” says Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe. “We recognise the challenges they face – from the rise of AI to shifting customer behaviours. This collaboration ensures we can equip businesses with the practical tools and technologies they need to grow, scale, and thrive.”
Eligibility and application details
Applications for the programme are now open.
The initiative is designed for SMEs that have been in operation for at least six months and are based in selected AfCFTA member states including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia, Angola, Mozambique, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco.
Training is scheduled to begin this month (November) and will run in 25 cohorts through June 2026.