Call for Applications: Google Hustle Academy AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme for Empowering 7,500 African SMEs with AI and Digital Skills
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Call for Applications: Google Hustle Academy AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme for Empowering 7,500 African SMEs with AI and Digital Skills
Overview
A groundbreaking initiative has been launched to boost digital trade, AI adoption, and cloud-readiness for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. The AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme (ADIEP) — powered by the Google Hustle Academy in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat — aims to train 7,500 SMEs from selected member states, equipping them with the future-ready skills they need to grow, innovate, and trade across the continent.
Why ADIEP Matters for African SMEs
In today’s fast-evolving digital economy, many African SMEs struggle to compete due to limited access to cutting-edge technology, unfamiliarity with cross-border trade, and low digital literacy. ADIEP is designed to bridge this gap by focusing on three core areas: cross-border trade, cloud technology, and artificial intelligence (AI). By doing so, the programme empowers entrepreneurs to expand their markets, improve operations, and scale business performance.
Through this initiative, the AfCFTA Secretariat and Google are driving inclusive growth by giving businesses the tools to participate fully in Africa’s digital trade ecosystem. This supports the broader mission of AfCFTA to strengthen economic integration, promote youth and women-led businesses, and build resilient, tech-savvy enterprises.
What the Training Offers
ADIEP’s curriculum is delivered through three action-based modules, designed to meet the real demands of small business owners:
- Cross-Border Digital Trade – Co-designed with the AfCFTA Secretariat, this module helps SMEs navigate digital trade across African markets by teaching them how to adapt products, manage logistics, and handle cross-border payments.
- Cloud for Small Businesses – Learn to leverage Google Workspace and Google Cloud tools to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance collaboration.
- AI for Productivity – Equip yourself with practical AI knowledge, including tools like Google Gemini, to automate tasks, improve marketing, and gain customer insights.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
To join the ADIEP, your SME must meet certain criteria:
- Business age: It must have been in operation for at least six months.
- Location: Your company should be based in one of the selected AfCFTA member states. These include Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia, Angola, Mozambique, Egypt, and Tunisia.
- Commitment: Businesses must commit to participating in one of the 25 cohorts, starting November 2025 and running through June 2026.
Key Benefits for Participants
- Free Training: ADIEP is completely free and accessible to qualifying SMEs.
- Language Access: The training is offered in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese, making it inclusive for entrepreneurs across different regions.
- Continental Insight: Learn how to navigate digital trade across Africa under AfCFTA’s strategic framework and policy environment.
- Tech Enablement: Gain hands-on experience with Google’s cloud tools, and learn how AI can drive automation, efficiency, and smarter growth.
- Networking: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs across the continent, build collaborative relationships and expand your reach.
- Scalability: The skills acquired will help you scale your business, access new markets, and build a more competitive, future-ready enterprise.
How to Apply
- Visit the Programme Application Portal — Use the official link to apply.
- Fill in Your Business Details — Provide information about your company, location, operational history, and business vision.
- Commit to the Cohort Schedule — Be ready to join one of the 25 cohort groups running from November 2025 to June 2026.
- Select Your Language — When applying, choose your preferred language of instruction (English, French, Arabic, or Portuguese).
- Engage Fully — Be prepared to complete the three-module training and use the skills to grow your business.
Why This Is a Must for African Entrepreneurs
- Empowerment Through Technology: ADIEP helps SMEs adopt AI, cloud, and digital trade capabilities, leveling the playing field for smaller enterprises.
- Market Expansion: By understanding cross-border trade under AfCFTA, SMEs can access new African markets and tap into growth opportunities.
- Sustainable Growth: The tools and knowledge gained are long-term: they aren’t just for the programme—they’re for scaling your business long after training ends.
- Digital Inclusion: The initiative is strategically designed to promote inclusion — youth, women, rural entrepreneurs can especially benefit from this continental drive.
- Economic Resilience: With the right digital skills, SMEs become more resilient to market shifts, future-proofing their business for a rapidly changing economic landscape.
If you’re ready to take your SME to the next level, boost your digital skills, and tap into Africa’s digital trade ecosystem — apply now for the AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme. Your business can thrive in the digital age.
VISIT THE PAGE HERE AND APPLY
Join our WhatsApp group and Telegram group to receive more opportunities
Visit our social media pages on LinkedIn and Facebook
