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 by providing entrepreneurs with AI-powered solutions and localized training that addresses the real-world demands of today’s market.

The initiative will build on the success of the Google Hustle Academy, which has supported over 18,000 SMEs across Africa since 2022.

Wamkele Mene, secretary-general of the AfCFTA Secretariat, commented on the partnership’s significance.

“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.”

“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,” said Charles Murito, Google’s regional director for Government Affairs and Public Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa. “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.”

A Curriculum for Continental Growth

The training focuses on action-oriented learning through three core modules, and will be delivered in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to ensure accessibility for entrepreneurs across Africa.

• Cross-Border Digital Trade: Co-created with the AfCFTA Secretariat, this module turns policy into practice. Entrepreneurs will learn to find new markets, adapt products, and master the logistics of cross-border payments and shipping.
• Cloud for Small Businesses: This module focuses on using cloud tools to boost efficiency and cut costs. Participants get hands-on training with Google Workspace for teamwork and Google Cloud for secure operations.
• AI for Productivity: This module provides practical skills to scale a business using AI. Entrepreneurs will learn to use tools like Google Gemini to automate tasks, create marketing content, and analyze customer data.

UpSkill Universe, a leading digital skills training provider, will manage the programme delivery. “Entrepreneurs across Africa are already driving change. We recognise the challenges they face, from the rise of AI to shifting customer behaviours,” said Gori Yahaya, CEO of UpSkill Universe. “This collaboration ensures we can equip businesses with the practical tools and technologies they need to grow, scale, and thrive.”

Eligibility and Application Details

Applications for the programme are now open. The initiative is designed for 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.

Training is scheduled to begin in November 2025, and will run in 25 cohorts through June 2026.

See how to participate:

Interested SMEs can find more information and apply by visiting here

Speaking at the Africa Tech Conference, Murito emphasised that fibre should be designated as critical infrastructure, which would enhance legal protections for both terrestrial and subsea cables supporting Africa’s expanding digital sector.

The rise in vandalism targeting fibre networks, driven largely by criminal groups seeking valuable components like batteries and generators at telecom sites, has created huge obstacles for network providers. 

This disruption doesn’t just result in costly repairs but also threatens the reliability of internet connectivity across Africa. 

Murito explained that critical infrastructure status could mean more severe penalties for deliberate damage, a measure aimed at deterring such criminal activities.

In addition to enhancing protections, Murito highlighted Google’s ongoing investment in Africa’s connectivity infrastructure. 

With projects like the Equiano subsea cable linking Africa to Europe and the newly announced Umoja cable, a direct connection between Africa and Australia, Google seeks to improve internet access and data flow across the continent. 

These large-scale infrastructure developments are part of Google’s strategies for supporting Africa’s digital economy.

Industry leaders and telecom operators at the conference stressed that increased security for fibre infrastructure would be an encouraging sign for investors. 

Stronger legal protections could help draw more international businesses and reduce the risks currently associated with telecommunications investments in Africa.

Murito also noted the need for cross-border policy alignment in fibre optic deployment, suggesting that shared infrastructure among internet service providers (ISPs) could lead to lower data costs and enhanced access for consumers. 

A uniform regulatory approach, he argued, would simplify the operational space for telecom companies, removing one of the barriers currently hindering network expansion efforts.

Despite the huge prospects of mobile internet for African economies, penetration remains low, with only 27% of the continent’s population accessing mobile internet last year. 

One challenge is the varied regulatory environment that companies face when installing and managing infrastructure. Murito called on African governments to simplify these processes, making it easier for companies to expand their networks and reach more underserved communities.

This push for harmonisation in tech policy and infrastructure investment aligns with Google’s initiatives to facilitate digital development across Africa. 

In Nigeria, for instance, Google’s services, including Search, Ads, and YouTube, contributed an estimated $1.8 billion to the economy in 2023. Initiatives such as the Digital Skills for Africa programme and the Career Certificates initiative have also groomed over 1.5 million young Nigerians with critical digital skills.

The arrival of Google’s Equiano cable in Lagos in 2022 symbolises another significant step toward advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. 

Named after Olaudah Equiano, a Nigerian abolitionist and writer, this subsea cable is part of Google’s steps to enhance broadband quality across West Africa. 

By 2025, it is expected to improve internet speeds and reliability, reinforcing Nigeria’s role in Africa’s digital future.