The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has launched the Eastern Africa cohort of its SME Booster Programme in Kigali, Rwanda, seeking to help small businesses overcome capacity and knowledge gaps that limit their participation in cross-border trade.
The programme brings together small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and business support organisations from across Eastern Africa for targeted training, expert-led sessions and practical engagements designed to prepare businesses to trade across the continent.
The initiative aims to improve participants’ understanding of AfCFTA trade requirements, help them identify market opportunities and build the capacity needed to expand beyond their domestic markets, seeking to translate Africa’s single-market ambitions into increased trade among African economies, with smaller businesses expected to play a significant role in that process.
Although micro, small and medium-sized enterprises account for a substantial share of Africa’s economic activity and livelihoods, many face knowledge and capacity constraints that can limit their ability to access regional markets.
The Kigali cohort is expected to provide participants with opportunities to strengthen their understanding of the continental trade framework, establish business connections and explore ways to participate more effectively in regional and intra-African trade.
The programme is being implemented through a partnership involving the AfCFTA Secretariat, the European Union Delegation to the African Union, the International Trade Centre, the Better Than Cash Alliance and the United Nations Development Programme.
Its stated objective is to move beyond awareness of the AfCFTA agreement towards practical outcomes, including stronger businesses, partnerships and greater participation in intra-African trade.
