The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has launched the SME Assessment and Capacity Building Programme in Freetown, Sierra Leone. This program aims to equip African Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Business Support Organisations (BSOs) with essential tools and knowledge. The goal is to enable them to effectively participate in intra-African trade.
This initiative represents a significant step from policy discussion to practical implementation under the broader AfCFTA SME Booster Programme. The Secretariat emphasized that the programme provides concrete support mechanisms. These mechanisms will help businesses trade across borders within the African Continental Free Trade Area framework. The program directly addresses key constraints limiting SME participation in regional markets.
This launch in Sierra Leone aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to leverage regional trade agreements. Ghana, a strong advocate for the AfCFTA, seeks to expand its own commercial ties across the continent. Increased intra-African trade, facilitated by programs like these, can boost economic growth and create new market opportunities for Ghanaian businesses. The AfCFTA aims to create a single market of 1.3 billion people with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of GHS 33.6 trillion (USD 3.4 trillion).
Representatives of the AfCFTA Secretariat stated that the program employs a targeted, evidence-based approach. It identifies export readiness gaps through comprehensive assessments of SMEs and BSOs. This allows the program to deliver tailored, market-oriented support to businesses aiming for continental expansion.
The program also focuses on strengthening institutions. It uses a 'Train-the-Trainer' model to empower Business Support Organisations. These BSOs will become long-term enablers of trade and enterprise development. By boosting local support systems, the initiative improves SMEs' ability to navigate trade rules, access markets, and meet export standards under AfCFTA.
The initiative partners with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Additional support comes from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the European Union Technical Assistance Facility (EU-TAF). These collaborations seek to cultivate a pool of export-ready African businesses. These businesses can then compete within the continent's growing single market.
This program is expected to contribute to wider continental goals. These include industrialization, job creation, and economic inclusion. It particularly targets youth and women-led enterprises. The launch precedes Biashara Afrika 2026, a major continental event promoting trade, investment, and business partnerships under AfCFTA. Stakeholders emphasized that while capacity building is crucial, real success depends on achieving tangible commercial outcomes for African businesses. The SME Booster Initiative is therefore seen as vital for moving from training to actual trade transactions, investment, and expanded market access as AfCFTA implementation gains momentum.