The Africa Leadership Foundation (ALF), in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has announced the launch of Cohort 3 of its Agribusiness Export Readiness Training Programme.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa to compete effectively in regional and global agribusiness markets.
This latest cohort will accommodate 175 SMEs from 12 African countries, with a strong focus on empowering agribusinesses in East Africa, while also featuring participants from other parts of the continent.
According to the organisers, the programme is structured to enhance the export capabilities of SMEs, boost intra-African trade, and enable businesses to take full advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Trade Gateway (ATG) framework.
The programme will adopt a hybrid model—offering a mix of virtual classes and in-person training sessions in Kampala, Uganda.
In addition to the core curriculum, participating businesses will receive robust post-training support. This includes expert advisory services on export procedures, access to tailored trade finance products, and guidance on complying with international quality assurance standards.
Speaking on the launch, Dr. Olumide Ajayi, Executive Director of ALF, said, “We are excited to launch Cohort 3 of the Agribusiness Export Readiness Training. This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to empowering SMEs to not only access but also excel in regional and global markets, thereby driving sustainable economic growth and development across the African continent.”
The Agribusiness Export Readiness Training Programme marks another step toward realizing Africa’s export potential by equipping SMEs with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to scale their impact and compete globally.
The Africa Leadership Foundation, based in Nigeria, is a civil society organization committed to advancing good governance, leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital empowerment, gender equality, and conflict resolution in Africa. As a continental think tank, ALF also works across regional cooperation, economic integration, international affairs, peacebuilding, and private sector development.
Afreximbank, a pan-African multilateral financial institution, is mandated to promote and finance intra- and extra-African trade. The bank provides innovative financing solutions designed to transform the continent’s trade and economic landscape.