1 Million AfCFTA Impact: Supporting Women- and Youth-Led Businesses to Scale Across Africa

The 1 Million AfCFTA Impact initiative is a pan-African business transformation platform dedicated to supporting women- and youth-led Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) to successfully participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Through policy-driven interventions, enterprise acceleration programs, and ecosystem building, the initiative aims to impact one million businesses across Africa.

As AfCFTA reshapes Africa’s trade landscape, businesses must adapt to new market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and cross-border opportunities. 1 Million AfCFTA Impact bridges this gap by equipping enterprises, professionals, and ecosystem actors with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to scale sustainably.

What 1 Million AfCFTA Impact Does

The organization delivers its interventions through seven strategic pillars, ensuring holistic business and ecosystem development:

• Policy Advocacy & Research – Advancing evidence-based policy dialogue to strengthen AfCFTA implementation.

• Strategic Engagement – Connecting stakeholders across public and private sectors.

• Ecosystem Building (1 Million AfCFTA Impact Hub) – Creating platforms for collaboration, innovation, and trade readiness.

• Capacity Building – Strengthening institutional and enterprise-level competencies.

• Professional Advisory & Mentoring – Providing expert-led guidance for businesses and professionals.

• Technical Support – Offering hands-on support to improve compliance and operational readiness.

• Trade Promotion and Linkages – Facilitating intra-African trade connections and market access.

Programs and Services

1 Million AfCFTA Impact delivers tailored programs designed to meet the needs of businesses, professionals, and support organizations:

Trade Information, Policy Advisory & Compliance Support

This service supports businesses and institutions across key AfCFTA pillars, including Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Investment, and Intellectual Property Rights, enabling informed decision-making and compliance.

SCALE Training Program

A specialized accelerator designed to strengthen Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs) and Business Development Service (BDS) providers, enhancing their effectiveness in supporting SGBs.

AfCFTA Proficiency & Intra-African Trade Advisory Program

A professional training program for seasoned professionals, high-potential consultants, and ecosystem actors seeking deep expertise in AfCFTA policy and trade advisory services.

Enterprise Scale & Investment Readiness Accelerator

Delivered using an internationally recognized SCALE framework, this program prepares SGBs to attract investment and scale operations across borders.

Enterprise Scale & Export Readiness Accelerator

This accelerator equips businesses with the skills and tools required to enter regional and continental markets under AfCFTA.

Impact at a Glance

• 1,000,000 businesses targeted through the AfCFTA Impact Consortium

• 300+ SMEs supported via the Trade and Investment Promotion (TIP) Fellowship

• 170+ AfCFTA-focused articles published, reaching 8,500+ readers

• 2,000+ stakeholders trained on AfCFTA policy frameworks and institutional structures

Get Involved

Businesses, professionals, and ecosystem partners are invited to:

• Join the AfCFTA Impact Consortium

• Apply for relevant programs and accelerators

• Subscribe to the monthly newsletter for strategic insights

APPLY NOW

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