Google and the AfCFTA Secretariat launch a free training initiative, powered by the Hustle Academy, to equip thousands of entrepreneurs with AI and cross-border digital trade skills for continental expansion.
Thousands of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Africa are set to receive critical digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills through the new ‘AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme.’ This free training initiative is a powerful collaboration between Google and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, leveraging the success of the Google Hustle Academy.
Small businesses are vital, generating nearly 80% of jobs across Africa. This programme is strategically designed to close the digital skills gap and provide localized, AI-powered solutions that directly address the demands of the modern market.
H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the AfCFTA’s goal to position MSMEs, women, youth, and other stakeholders as key drivers of continental trade using digital technologies.
Charles Murito, Google’s Regional Director for Government Affairs and Public Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa, noted, “This partnership is about providing thousands of African entrepreneurs with the practical tools and knowledge to unlock new opportunities. 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 to 7,500 SMEs in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to ensure maximum accessibility. The curriculum is focused on action-oriented learning through three core modules:
- Cross-Border Digital Trade: Co-created with the AfCFTA Secretariat, this module translates trade policy into practical skills, teaching entrepreneurs how to find new markets, adapt products, and manage the logistics of cross-border payments and shipping.
- Cloud for Small Businesses: Participants gain hands-on training with tools like Google Workspace and Google Cloud to boost efficiency and securely streamline operations.
- AI for Productivity: This module provides practical skills for business scaling, covering how entrepreneurs can use tools like Google Gemini to automate tasks, generate marketing content, and analyze crucial customer data.
UpSkill Universe will manage the programme delivery, ensuring businesses are equipped with the practical tools and technologies they need to grow, scale, and thrive in a shifting global landscape.
The programme is designed for SMEs that have been operational 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 commence in November 2025 and will be delivered in 25 cohorts through June 2026. Interested SMEs can find more information and apply by visiting Hustle Academy
