The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a historic opportunity to shape Africa’s economic future by creating a more integrated continental market and increasing opportunities for entrepreneurship, trade, investment and innovation. With a market of over one billion people, the AfCFTA can give African businesses better access to consumers, suppliers, capital, talent and regional value chains.
This session, “Building Africa’s Next Generation of Businesses: Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation under AfCFTA” will discuss how entrepreneurs, startups and SMEs may capitalize on the emerging continental market to scale their businesses beyond national borders. The discussion will examine opportunities in technology, digital commerce, manufacturing, agriculture, financial services, logistics, creative industries and other sectors with high potential for intra-African trade.
The session will also identify practical barriers faced by entrepreneurs, such as access to finance, regulatory differences, gaps in infrastructure, market information, standards and procedures for cross-border trade, etc. The speakers will offer insights and practical strategies for overcoming these challenges and promoting competitive, innovative and scalable enterprises.
Ultimately, the session aims to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs in Africa to view the AfCFTA as more than a trade agreement, but as a platform for creating businesses, jobs, innovation and shared prosperity across the continent.
Speakers
Peter Adetor, Team Lead, African Startups & SMES in Export & Trade Secretariat
Nathaniel Dwamena, President, YAFO Institute
Ebenezer Yamusah, CEO, Calogeron Ghana Limited
Date and Time
25th September 2026 at 1:30 PM
Venue
Anagkazo Campus, Mampong – Aburi
