By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The African Continental Free
Trade Area (AfCFTA) SME Booster Programme has officially commenced its Eastern
Africa Cohort in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together Small and Medium-sized
Enterprises (SMEs) and Business Support Organisations (BSOs) from across the
region to strengthen their participation in the continental market.
The programme aims to
empower African SMEs to access opportunities under the AfCFTA through targeted
training, expert-led sessions and practical engagements designed to address
knowledge and capacity gaps affecting businesses.
The Eastern Africa Cohort
will equip participating enterprises with a better understanding of trade
requirements, help them identify market opportunities and position themselves
for growth across Africa.
With micro, small and
medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) accounting for a significant part of Africa's
economic activity and livelihoods, ensuring their meaningful participation in
the continental market remains central to advancing African economic integration.
The overarching goal is to
move beyond awareness towards tangible outcomes, including stronger businesses,
meaningful partnerships and increased participation in intra-African trade.
The Eastern Africa Cohort is
being implemented through a collaborative partnership between the AfCFTA
Secretariat, EU-TAF Support to the AfCFTA, the International Trade Centre, the
Better Than Cash Alliance and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
