Africans Unleashing their Entrepreneurial Spirit: Afreximbank and GAIN Empower Youth

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has collaborated with the Grand Africa Initiative (GAIN) to establish a grant aimed at supporting the training of 300 young African entrepreneurs. This initiative seeks to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge required for success in the entrepreneurial sphere and to facilitate the expansion of their businesses across the African continent.

The GAIN-Afreximbank Masterclass on Entrepreneurship and Intra-African Trade is a six-week programme carefully crafted to provide valuable insights into building and expanding businesses within the intra-African market. The programme will offer technical guidance, practical training, and business advisory from a team of international experts.

Aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), this initiative aims to promote inclusivity by targeting young Africans, women, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Prospective entrepreneurs aged 20 to 45, with registered businesses operating in Africa for at least two years, are encouraged to submit applications through the official programme website at www.GrandAfrica.org. Additionally, applicants must have access to a stable internet connection, electricity, and a strong command of the English language.

Yusuf Daya, Director of AU/AfCFTA Relations and Trade Policy at Afreximbank, underscored the importance of empowering young African entrepreneurs to leverage the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA. He expressed Afreximbank’s dedication to nurturing the skills of African youth and enhancing entrepreneurial capacity through the Afreximbank Academy (AFRACAD).

Jerry Ojima Momoh, the Partnership Lead at GAIN, spoke with great enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the programme’s previous success. He noted that the training will not only impart knowledge and valuable connections but also offer access to mentorship from experienced global mentors, all of which will significantly impact the growth of the participants’ businesses.

It is evident that Afreximbank and GAIN are committed to cultivating the next generation of African entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools and support for success. The impact of this collaborative effort will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the entrepreneurial landscape of the African continent.