Google and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat have announced the ‘AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme,’ a new initiative to provide thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with critical AI and digital skills. The free training, powered by the Google Hustle Academy, is designed to help entrepreneurs expand their businesses and engage in continent-wide trade, with SMEs in MENA countries including Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco eligible to participate.
The programme aims to address the digital skills gap for SMEs, which are considered the backbone of Africa’s economy, generating nearly 80% of jobs across the continent. Building on the success of the Google Hustle Academy, which has supported over 18,000 SMEs since 2022, this initiative will focus on AI-powered solutions and localized training tailored to current market demands.
Bridging The Digital Divide For Continental Trade
H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, emphasized the programme’s strategic alignment with the organization’s goals. “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.”
Charles Murito, Google’s Regional Director for Government Affairs and Public Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted technology’s role as an equalizer. “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 For Cross-Border Growth
The training curriculum is structured into three core modules and will be delivered in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to ensure broad accessibility.
- Cross-Border Digital Trade: Co-developed with the AfCFTA Secretariat, this module helps entrepreneurs identify new markets, adapt products, and manage the logistics of cross-border payments and shipping.
- Cloud for Small Businesses: This section provides hands-on training with Google Workspace and Google Cloud to help businesses improve efficiency, collaboration, and security while reducing operational costs.
- AI for Productivity: Participants will learn to leverage AI tools like Google Gemini to automate tasks, generate marketing content, and analyze customer data to scale their operations.
The programme will be managed by UpSkill Universe, a leading digital skills training provider.
Application And Eligibility Details
Applications for the programme are now open to SMEs that have been operational for at least six months. The initiative targets businesses in several AfCFTA member states, including the MENA nations of Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco, alongside Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and others.
Training is scheduled to commence in November 2025 and will be conducted in 25 cohorts through June 2026. Interested SMEs can apply via the official registration portal.
About The AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme
The AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme is a collaborative initiative between Google and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. Powered by the Google Hustle Academy, its mission is to equip thousands of African SMEs with essential AI and digital skills. The programme focuses on enhancing cross-border trade, leveraging cloud technology, and utilizing AI for productivity to foster a more inclusive and prosperous digital economy across the continent.
Source: Mystartupworld
