7,500 SMEs To Receive AI and Digital Trade Training From Google and AfCFTA
Thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria and the wider African region now have access to essential AI and digital trade training designed to help them grow and participate more effectively in continental trade. Google, in partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, has introduced the AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme, a free initiative delivered through the Google Hustle Academy.
SMEs play a crucial role in Africa’s economic landscape, providing nearly 80 percent of jobs across the continent. This new programme aims to bridge the digital skills gap by offering entrepreneurs AI-driven tools and region-specific training tailored to current market realities. It builds on the achievements of the Google Hustle Academy, which has supported more than 18,000 African businesses since its launch in 2022.
According to H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, the collaboration directly supports AfCFTA’s mission. He noted that the programme advances the goals outlined in the Protocol on Digital Trade and the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade by empowering MSMEs, women, youth, people with disabilities, rural farmers, and other groups to participate fully in intra-African trade through digital technologies.
Charles Murito, Google’s Regional Director for Government Affairs and Public Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the transformative potential of technology. He highlighted that the partnership aims to equip entrepreneurs with practical digital skills—especially in AI, e-commerce, and cross-border trade—to strengthen Africa’s interconnected digital economy and support the continent’s energetic business sector.
A Curriculum Designed for Africa’s Growth
The programme features three practical learning modules, available in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to accommodate participants across the continent.
Cross-Border Digital Trade: Developed jointly with the AfCFTA Secretariat, this module helps entrepreneurs translate policy into practical business strategies. It covers market expansion, product adaptation, and the essentials of cross-border payments and shipping.
Cloud for Small Businesses: This section teaches participants how to use cloud technology to streamline operations and reduce costs, featuring hands-on guidance with Google Workspace and Google Cloud.
AI for Productivity: Entrepreneurs are introduced to tools such as Google Gemini to automate routine tasks, generate marketing materials, and better understand customer needs through data.
The programme will be delivered by UpSkill Universe, a well-established digital training provider. CEO Gori Yahaya noted that entrepreneurs across Africa are already driving innovation and change, and this collaboration is intended to give them the tools necessary to adapt, grow, and scale in an evolving digital marketplace.
Eligibility and How to Apply
Applications are currently open. The programme targets SMEs that have operated for at least six months and are located in selected AfCFTA member countries, 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 will begin in November 2025 and continue through June 2026 across 25 cohorts. Interested businesses can learn more and submit their applications HERE
