Google and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat have launched the ‘AfCFTA digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme’ through which they hope to train 7,500 African SMEs in AI and digital trade skills.
The new, free training initiative, powered by the Google Hustle Academy, is designed to close the digital skills gap by providing entrepreneurs with AI-powered solutions and localised training that address real-world demands.
According to a statement, the initiative will build on the success of the Google Hustle Academy, which has supported over 18,000 SMEs across Africa since 2022.
Wamkele Mene, secretary-general of the AfCFTA Secretariat, said the programme aligns with the transformation goals of AfCFTA, as outlined in the Protocol on Digital Trade and the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade.
He said: “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, added: “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."
The training will be delivered as a one-day bootcamp, offered in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese, and focused on three core modules; namely, cross-border digital trade, cloud for small businesses, and AI for productivity.
The programme’s delivery will be managed by digital skills training provider UpSkill Universe.
"Entrepreneurs across Africa are already driving change. We recognise the challenges they face, from the rise of AI to shifting customer behaviours," said Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe. "This collaboration ensures we can equip businesses with the practical tools and technologies they need to grow, scale, and thrive.”
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 in November, 2025 and will run in 25 cohorts through June 2026.
Applications for the programme are now open.
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