Google and AfCFTA Launch New Training Programme to Equip African SMEs with AI and Digital Skills./ PHOTO ; Courtesy
Thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria and the wider African continent are set to access new digital and AI skills.
This follows the launch of the AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme, a free capacity-building initiative jointly unveiled by Google and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
The programme will be delivered through the Google Hustle Academy and aims to help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and expand trade opportunities across Africa.
SMEs remain central to Africa’s economic landscape, accounting for nearly 80% of employment across the region.
However, many entrepreneurs continue to face barriers in adopting modern digital tools and navigating emerging technologies.
The new programme seeks to bridge this gap by offering practical, localized training built around AI-driven solutions, e-commerce, and cross-border trade.
It also leverages the existing foundation of the Google Hustle Academy, which has trained more than 18,000 SMEs since 2022.
H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, said the collaboration supports the organisation’s long-term vision of empowering smaller businesses and marginalized groups to participate meaningfully in continental trade.
“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. It is the demonstration of our commitment to fostering digital inclusion and empowering MSMEs to trade under the AfCFTA using digital technologies.”
Google also emphasized the programme’s potential to unlock growth among Africa’s emerging enterprises.
According to Charles Murito, Google’s Regional Director for Government Affairs and Public Policy in Sub
-Saharan Africa, the partnership aims to broaden access to practical digital skills.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
A Curriculum Built for Africa’s Digital Future
The programme will roll out three core modules tailored to the business needs of African SMEs. Training will be offered in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to reach entrepreneurs across AfCFTA member states.
- Cross-Border Digital Trade: Developed jointly with the AfCFTA Secretariat, this module translates continental trade policy into practical guidance. Participants will learn how to identify new markets, adapt products for regional consumers, and navigate cross-border payments and shipping processes.
- Cloud for Small Businesses: This unit introduces tools that help reduce business overheads and improve operational efficiency. SMEs will receive hands-on training in Google Workspace for collaboration and Google Cloud for secure data management.
- AI for Productivity: Focused on real-world business applications of AI, this module teaches participants how to use tools such as Google Gemini to automate routine tasks, generate marketing content, and assess customer insights.
Programme delivery will be led by UpSkill Universe, a global digital skills training provider.
CEO Gori Yahaya noted the importance of equipping entrepreneurs for rapidly evolving business environments.
“Entrepreneurs across Africa are already driving change. We recognise the challenges they face, from the rise of AI to shifting customer behaviours,” he said. “This collaboration ensures we can equip businesses with the practical tools and technologies they need to grow, scale, and thrive.”
Who Can Apply
Applications are currently open to SMEs operating for at least six months in selected AfCFTA member countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Senegal, Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Egypt, Morocco, and several others.
Training begins in November 2025 and will be delivered through 25 cohorts until June 2026.
More details and application instructions are available at: https://apo-opa.co/47MJNY8
