GAIN, Afreximbank Trains 300 Young African Entrepreneurs on Intra-African Trade

The Grand Africa Initiative (GAIN) in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has successfully trained 300 emerging business leaders from across the continent at the highly impactful 2024 Masterclass on Entrepreneurship and Intra-African Trade.

The strategic programme was designed to equip young African entrepreneurs with the skills required to build their businesses and thrive in the expanding intra-African market.

According to a statement from GAIN, the six-week intensive training, which commenced in May 2024, focused on fostering the entrepreneurial capabilities of young Africans, emphasising the importance of expanding businesses beyond national borders and leveraging opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Associate AU/AfCFTA Relations and Trade Policy (ARTP) representing AfreximBank, Mr Chidozie Ezeani emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting African youth, who are seen as the continent’s most valuable resources.

He also highlighted the importance of equipping young entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, information and access to opportunities presented by the African Continental free trade Area.

The Programme Officer at GAIN and coordinator for the masterclass, Janet Oladapo, expressed satisfaction with the success of the training and its positive impact on the participants.

‘We are thrilled to have partnered with Afreximbank once again for this entrepreneurship masterclass series.,” she said.

Also the beneficiaries of masterclass expressed gratitude for the initiative.

Chioma Echegwisi, CEO Davichi Farms and Agrotech Nig Ltd, Nigeria said : “This has been a very enlightening program and knowledge packed. We look forward to networking between mentors and fellow participants as well as grant opportunities and access to markets.”

For Monde Thursday Yissah, CEO Yissah Logistics Group Limited, Malawi, ,it has been good getting knowledge from the experts, and the awesome sessions have changed my perspective of my business.

“The business advisory session changed everything and put me in the right direction,” he said.

“Thank you GAIN-AFREXIMBANK for this opportunity, it has been good getting knowledge from the experts, and the awesome sessions have changed my perspective of my business, I will not give up though my resources are few and not in good condition but the business advisory session changed everything and put me in the right direction.”

Meanwhile, the participants, selected from various regions of Africa, engaged in a comprehensive curriculum that included technical guidance, practical training, and business advisory sessions led by a distinguished faculty of international experts.

Also, the masterclass covered a broad range of essential topics, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills required to develop and sustain a fully functional and thriving business.