By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
The African Continental Free
Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Inclusion and Entrepreneurship Programme (ADIEP),
powered by Google Hustle Academy, has reached more than 7,000 small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across 16 African countries during the first
phase of its implementation.
The first phase of the
programme was formally closed at the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, with UpSkills
Universe serving as the implementing partner.
Launched in November 2025,
ADIEP offers free, one-day bootcamps designed to equip African businesses with
the practical digital skills needed to grow and trade across borders.
The training covers three
key areas: Cross-Border Digital Trade, Cloud for Small Businesses, and AI for
Productivity. Sessions are delivered in English, French, Arabic and Portuguese
to reach entrepreneurs across different linguistic communities on the continent.
Speaking during the opening
session, Chief Technical Advisor Gilberto Antonio highlighted the barriers many
SMEs face in accessing reliable business information, identifying partners and
reaching customers in new markets.
“You don't have to be a tech
company to benefit from AI,” he emphasised, pointing to its practical
applications in marketing, customer insights, market research and productivity.
With Phase 1 completed,
preparations are now underway for Phase 2, which is expected to expand the
programme to additional countries and support more African entrepreneurs to
participate in digital trade under the AfCFTA framework.
