Initiative offers AI, cloud, and cross-border trade training to strengthen small businesses across the continent
Thousands of SMEs across Nigeria and other African countries can now access free AI and digital skills training through the newly launched AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme, created by Google in partnership with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and powered by the Google Hustle Academy.
SMEs make up nearly 80% of all jobs in Africa, yet many still struggle with limited digital capabilities. This programme aims to close that gap by equipping entrepreneurs with AI-driven tools, cloud skills, and cross-border trade knowledge tailored to current economic demands.
Since 2022, the Google Hustle Academy has already supported over 18,000 SMEs across the continent — and this new initiative significantly scales that mission.
“The Programme aligns with the transformative goal of the AfCFTA… to position MSMEs, women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural farmers, and other stakeholders as key drivers and beneficiaries of the AfCFTA,”
said Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat.
“It demonstrates our commitment to fostering digital inclusion and empowering MSMEs to trade under the AfCFTA using digital technologies.”
The training — available in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese — features three core modules:
Cross-Border Digital Trade (co-created with the AfCFTA Secretariat): guidance on navigating new markets, adapting products, and managing cross-border payments and logistics.
Cloud for Small Businesses: how to use Google Workspace and Google Cloud to boost operational efficiency, collaboration, and security.
AI for Productivity: practical ways to automate tasks, create marketing content, and analyse customer data using tools like Google Gemini.
Programme delivery will be managed by UpSkill Universe.
The initiative is open to SMEs that have been active 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 kicks off in November 2025 and will be delivered across 25 cohorts until June 2026.
