The Grand Africa Initiative (GAIN), in collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has successfully concluded the 2024 Masterclass on Entrepreneurship and Intra-African Trade. The program aimed to equip young African entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to build and grow their businesses within the expanding intra-African market.
In a statement released on Monday, GAIN announced that 300 emerging business leaders from across Africa participated in the impactful Masterclass. Janet Oladapo, the Programs Officer at GAIN and Coordinator for the Masterclass, expressed satisfaction with the program’s success and its positive impact on the participants.
“The six-week intensive training, which commenced in May 2024, focused on enhancing the entrepreneurial capabilities of young Africans. It emphasized the importance of expanding businesses beyond national borders and leveraging the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Oladapo explained.
Participants 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. The Masterclass covered a wide range of essential topics, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and sustain a thriving business.
Key areas of focus included business idea formulation and planning, market opportunity identification, strategies for business partnerships, and insights into strategic marketing and sales techniques. The curriculum also covered business branding, communication strategies, and customer service excellence to ensure participants were thoroughly equipped to succeed.
Oladapo expressed gratitude for the partnership with Afreximbank, which consistently provides empowerment opportunities for young African entrepreneurs. “The program has offered crucial support to young entrepreneurs across Africa, providing them with the expertise, networks, and mentorship essential for their business development. This year’s edition has proven to be no different, and we are excited to see the outcomes of the participants’ efforts as they apply what they have learned.”
Mr. Chidozie Ezeani, Associate AU/AfCFTA Relations and Trade Policy (ARTP) at Afreximbank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting African youth, whom he described as the continent’s most valuable resource. He highlighted the importance of equipping young entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, information, and access to opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.
Participants expressed their gratitude to GAIN and Afreximbank for the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to establish their presence in the African business and trade arena.
Monde Thursday Yissah, CEO of Yissah Logistics Group Limited in Malawi, shared, “The sessions changed the perspective of my business, and the business advisory session put me in the right direction.”
Chioma Echegwisi, CEO of Davichi Farms and Agrotech Nig Ltd in Nigeria, added, “This has been a very enlightening and knowledge-packed program. I look forward to networking with the mentors and fellow participants, as well as exploring grant opportunities and market access.”
