Thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria and the broader African continent are set to gain critical AI and digital skills designed to expand their businesses and facilitate continent-wide trade. Google and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat have jointly launched the ‘AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme,’ a new, free training initiative powered by the established Google Hustle Academy.
Since small businesses are the backbone of Africa’s economy, generating nearly 80% of jobs across the continent, this programme is designed to close the digital skills gap. It will equip entrepreneurs with AI-powered solutions and localized training that directly addresses the real-world demands of today’s market. The initiative builds 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, emphasized the partnership’s significance, stating, “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.” He added that it demonstrates their commitment to fostering digital inclusion and empowering MSMEs to trade under the AfCFTA using digital technologies.
Charles Murito, Google’s Regional Director for Government Affairs and Public Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa, commented, “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.” He highlighted that by focusing on critical areas like AI, e-commerce, and cross-border trade, they are helping to build a more connected and prosperous digital ecosystem, a testament to Google’s commitment to Africa’s vibrant business community.
The training focuses on action-oriented learning delivered through three core modules. To ensure accessibility for entrepreneurs across Africa, the curriculum will be provided in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese.
UpSkill Universe, a leading digital skills training provider, will manage the programme delivery. Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe, noted, “This collaboration ensures we can equip businesses with the practical tools and technologies they need to grow, scale, and thrive.”
The initiative is designed for SMEs that have been in operation for at least six months and are based in selected AfCFTA member states.
- Included Countries: Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia, Angola, Mozambique, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco.
- Timeline: Training is scheduled to begin in November 2025 and will run in 25 cohorts through June 2026.