Google and AfCFTA Launch New Initiative to Empower 7,500 African SMEs with AI Skills
Free Training Program, Powered by Google Hustle Academy, Targets Digital Inclusion and Cross-Border Trade Across 25 Cohorts
Google and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat launched the ‘AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme,’ a new, free training initiative powered by the Google Hustle Academy. This collaboration now enables thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria and the African continent to gain critical AI and digital skills necessary to expand their businesses and trade continent-wide.
SMEs form the backbone of Africa’s economy, generating nearly 80% of jobs across the continent. Therefore, this programme specifically addresses the digital skills gap by providing entrepreneurs with AI-powered solutions and localized training that meets the real-world demands of today’s market. The new initiative builds directly on the success of the Google Hustle Academy, which has already supported over 18,000 SMEs across Africa since 2022.
H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, underscored the partnership’s importance: “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.”
A Curriculum Focused on Continental Growth and AI
The curriculum focuses on action-oriented learning across three core modules, delivered in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to ensure broad accessibility for entrepreneurs across Africa.
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Cross-Border Digital Trade: Co-created with the AfCFTA Secretariat, this module translates policy into practice. Entrepreneurs learn to identify new markets, adapt products, and master the logistics of cross-border payments and shipping.
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Cloud for Small Businesses: This module focuses on actively using cloud tools to boost efficiency and cut costs, providing hands-on training with Google Workspace for teamwork and Google Cloud for secure operations.
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AI for Productivity: This module equips entrepreneurs with practical skills to scale a business using AI. They learn to use tools like Google Gemini to automate tasks, create marketing content, and analyze customer data.
Charles Murito, Google’s Regional Director for Government Affairs and Public Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the mission: “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. 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.”
UpSkill Universe, a leading digital skills training provider, will manage the programme delivery. Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe, noted, “Entrepreneurs across Africa are already driving change. We recognise the challenges they face, from the rise of AI to shifting customer behaviours. This collaboration ensures we can equip businesses with the practical tools and technologies they need to grow, scale, and thrive.”
How Kenyan SMEs Can Apply
Applications for the program are now open. The initiative targets SMEs that have been in operation 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.
The training is scheduled to begin in November 2025 and will run in 25 cohorts through June 2026. Interested SMEs can apply here.
