The Grand Africa Initiative (GAIN) in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has trained 300 young African entrepreneurs drawn from various regions of Africa, in its 2024 Masterclass on Entrepreneurship and Intra-African Trade.
The six weeks intensive training was designed to equip young African entrepreneurs with the skills required to build their businesses and thrive in the expanding intra-African market, with focus on fostering the entrepreneurial capabilities of young Africans, emphasizing the importance of expanding businesses beyond national borders and leveraging opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Associate AU/AfCFTA Relations and Trade Policy (ARTP) Mr Chidozie Ezeani who represented the AfreximBank, said the bank remains committed to supporting youths in Africa, who he described as the continent’s most valuable resources.
According to him, the bank recognised the importance of equipping young entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, information and access to opportunities presented by the African Continental free trade Area.
The Programmes Officer at GAIN, Janet Oladapo who doubles as coordinator for the masterclass, expressed her satisfaction with success of the programme and its positive impact on the participants.
She said: ‘We are thrilled to have partnered with Afreximbank once again for this entrepreneurship masterclass series. The program has consistently provided essential support to young entrepreneurs across Africa, equipping them with the expertise, networks, and mentorship crucial for their business development.
“This year 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.”
One of the beneficiaries, CEO Davichi Farms and Agrotech Nig Ltd, Nigeria, Chioma Echegwisi, noted that “This has been a very enlightening programme and knowledge packed.
“We look forward to networking between mentors and fellow participants as well as grant opportunities and access to markets.”
A participant from Malawi, Monde Thursday Yissah, CEO Yissah Logistics Group Limited, Malawi, appreciated GAIN and Afreximbank for the opportunity to broaden his perspective on business.
“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.
“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.
"May you continue doing these classes so that youths from Africa may have proper minds to run businesses entirely and stand out globally.
“The fight for reconciliation and Unity in Africa will only be successful if GAIN-AFREXIMBANK will not give up.”
From Somalia, the CEO Barrwaqo Construction Company, Khadar Mowlid noted, “I am a lucky person to get this fruitful lesson and masterclass.”
Sizolwenkosi Mazolo, the CEO. Homegrown Pvt Ltd in Zimbabwe said, “Great initiative, very beneficial on both business and personal levels.”
