7 500 African SMEs to gain AI and digital trade skills through new Google-AfCFTA initiative
Thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa, including Namibia, are set to benefit from a new programme aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with critical artificial intelligence (AI) and digital trade skills.
Google and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat have launched the AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme, a free training initiative powered by the Google Hustle Academy. The programme is designed to close Africa’s digital skills gap by providing entrepreneurs with AI-driven solutions and locally tailored training that addresses today’s business realities.
SMEs are the backbone of Africa’s economy, generating almost 80% of jobs across the continent. Building on the success of the Google Hustle Academy, which has supported over 18 000 African SMEs since 2022, the initiative aims to empower businesses to expand and trade across borders.
Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat Wamkele Mene highlighted the programme’s potential impact, saying: “This programme aligns with the transformative goals of the AfCFTA, particularly the Protocol on Digital Trade and the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade. It positions MSMEs, women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural farmers, and other stakeholders as key drivers and beneficiaries of the AfCFTA. It demonstrates our commitment to fostering digital inclusion and empowering SMEs to trade using digital technologies.”
Charles Murito, Google’s Regional Director for Government Affairs and Public Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa, added: “Technology is a powerful equaliser. This partnership provides thousands of African entrepreneurs with the practical tools and knowledge to unlock new opportunities. By focusing on AI, e-commerce, and cross-border trade, we are helping to build a more connected and prosperous digital ecosystem across the continent.”
Curriculum for continental growth
The programme offers action-oriented learning through three core modules, delivered in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to ensure accessibility across Africa:Cross-border digital trade: Developed with the AfCFTA Secretariat, this module teaches entrepreneurs how to find new markets, adapt products, and navigate cross-border payments and logistics.
Cloud for small businesses: Participants receive hands-on training in Google Workspace and Google Cloud to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and secure operations.
AI for productivity: Entrepreneurs learn to use AI tools such as Google Gemini to automate tasks, create marketing content, and analyse customer data to scale their businesses.
UpSkill Universe, a leading digital skills provider, will manage the programme’s delivery. CEO Gori Yahaya said: “Entrepreneurs across Africa are already driving change.
We recognise the challenges they face, from the rise of AI to evolving customer behaviours. This collaboration equips SMEs with the tools and technologies they need to grow, scale, and thrive.”
Eligibility and application
The programme is open to SMEs operating for at least six months 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 begins in November 2025 and will run in 25 cohorts through June 2026. Interested SMEs can apply and access further information at https://apo-opa.co/47MJNY8.
Google and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat have launched the AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme, a free training initiative powered by the Google Hustle Academy. The programme is designed to close Africa’s digital skills gap by providing entrepreneurs with AI-driven solutions and locally tailored training that addresses today’s business realities.
SMEs are the backbone of Africa’s economy, generating almost 80% of jobs across the continent. Building on the success of the Google Hustle Academy, which has supported over 18 000 African SMEs since 2022, the initiative aims to empower businesses to expand and trade across borders.
Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat Wamkele Mene highlighted the programme’s potential impact, saying: “This programme aligns with the transformative goals of the AfCFTA, particularly the Protocol on Digital Trade and the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade. It positions MSMEs, women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural farmers, and other stakeholders as key drivers and beneficiaries of the AfCFTA. It demonstrates our commitment to fostering digital inclusion and empowering SMEs to trade using digital technologies.”
Charles Murito, Google’s Regional Director for Government Affairs and Public Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa, added: “Technology is a powerful equaliser. This partnership provides thousands of African entrepreneurs with the practical tools and knowledge to unlock new opportunities. By focusing on AI, e-commerce, and cross-border trade, we are helping to build a more connected and prosperous digital ecosystem across the continent.”
Curriculum for continental growth
The programme offers action-oriented learning through three core modules, delivered in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to ensure accessibility across Africa:Cross-border digital trade: Developed with the AfCFTA Secretariat, this module teaches entrepreneurs how to find new markets, adapt products, and navigate cross-border payments and logistics.
Cloud for small businesses: Participants receive hands-on training in Google Workspace and Google Cloud to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and secure operations.
AI for productivity: Entrepreneurs learn to use AI tools such as Google Gemini to automate tasks, create marketing content, and analyse customer data to scale their businesses.
UpSkill Universe, a leading digital skills provider, will manage the programme’s delivery. CEO Gori Yahaya said: “Entrepreneurs across Africa are already driving change.
We recognise the challenges they face, from the rise of AI to evolving customer behaviours. This collaboration equips SMEs with the tools and technologies they need to grow, scale, and thrive.”
Eligibility and application
The programme is open to SMEs operating for at least six months 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 begins in November 2025 and will run in 25 cohorts through June 2026. Interested SMEs can apply and access further information at https://apo-opa.co/47MJNY8.
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