Google Hustle Academy and AfCFTA Roll Out AI Training for African SMEs

Google and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat have launched the AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Program, a free initiative aimed at equipping 7,500 African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with practical AI and digital trade skills. As a result, the programme is expected to strengthen SME competitiveness and support broader participation in Africa’s growing digital economy.

Strengthen SME Competitiveness

The initiative, announced on November 17, is delivered through the Google Hustle Academy and managed by UpSkill Universe. It specifically targets SMEs operating for at least six months in selected AfCFTA member states, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, and Cameroon. Additionally, the training will run from November 2025 to June 2026 across 25 cohorts and will be available in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to ensure broad accessibility.

Focused Training on Digital Trade, Cloud, and AI

The programme features three practical training modules designed to meet the evolving needs of African SMEs

• Cross-Border Digital Trade: helping businesses navigate AfCFTA frameworks and access new continental markets.
• Cloud for Small Businesses: introducing cost-effective solutions that support efficiency and operational continuity.
• AI for Productivity: providing tools that streamline workflows, automate tasks, and enhance decision-making.

Additionally, the curriculum blends technical learning with real business use cases, ensuring that entrepreneurs can immediately apply new skills. Consequently, SME owners will be better placed to adopt digital tools that support cross-border expansion.

Supporting AfCFTA’s Mission for Inclusive Growth

H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, noted that the programme directly supports AfCFTA’s goals to empower MSMEs, women, youth, persons with disabilities, and rural entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the initiative builds on the success of the Google Hustle Academy, which has supported more than 18,000 African SMEs since 2022.

Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating; however, many SMEs still struggle with limited digital skills. This initiative arrives at a crucial moment, especially since PwC estimates that responsible AI adoption could boost Africa’s GDP by up to 4.9 percentage points by 2035. Therefore, equipping entrepreneurs with AI and cloud capabilities is essential for enabling them to adopt new technologies responsibly and remain competitive.

With accessible, multilingual, and action-oriented training, the AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Program offers SMEs a practical route to participate more fully in digital trade. Ultimately, the initiative supports AfCFTA’s broader mission of fostering an inclusive digital economy one in which businesses of all sizes can leverage AI, engage in continental markets, and contribute to Africa’s long-term economic growth.