Call for Applications
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa, especially those run by women and youth, encounter persistent structural barriers, including limited access to affordable capital and financial services, inadequate market information, constrained digital capabilities, and safety vulnerabilities in trading environments. To unlock their meaningful participation in regional and global commerce, targeted interventions are essential. This virtual training series, developed through a strategic partnership between the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the DHL GoTrade Initiative, provides women- and youth-owned- and led enterprises with practical skills and strategic tools to navigate the continental trade landscape. The training series will equip participants with knowledge and skills overcome critical constraints and build confidence and competency to expand commercial operations across borders and advance sustainable business growth.
Specifically, the training seeks to:
Increase awareness of regional integration frameworks including regional economic communities (RECs, and the African Continental Free Trade Area)
Increase understanding of and access to cross-border trading opportunities relevant to MSMEs
Strengthen MSMEs’ ability to use digital trade and e-commerce platforms for cross-border transactions
Improve knowledge of customs procedures, trade logistics, and regulatory compliance to facilitate smoother cross-border trade
Support inclusive participation of women and youth in intra-African trade by addressing knowledge and capacity gaps
Contribute to increased volumes and value of MSMEs-led intra-African trade
Programme Structure
The training will comprise 7 modules – of 2.5 hours long each, delivered virtually for each cohort. Each cohort will comprise between 25 to 40 entrepreneurs who own and run MSMEs, and who are already active domestically. The training programme will combine policy insights, practical tools, and real-life business applications.
Content of training series
Overview of the Cross-Border Market Opportunities for MSMEs
Understanding of Regional Integration Tools including Regional Economic Communities and the African Continental Free Trade Area
Digital Trade and E-commerce Strategies for Cross-Border Markets
Customs Procedures, Logistics, and Shipping Solutions
Regulatory Compliance, Standards, and Export Readiness
Understanding Business Finance Basics, and Access to Trade Finance
Gender and Youth Inclusion in Intra-African Cross-Border Trade
Skills to be Imparted
Ability to identify and access cross-border market opportunities
Practical skills in navigating customs and logistics processes
Digital trade and e-commerce operational skills
Export readiness and regulatory compliance competencies
Business planning and market entry strategy development
Risk management and basic trade finance literacy
Gender-responsive and inclusive business practices
Pedagogical approach and Mode of delivery
The course will be delivered over the course of 3 months, with the last session dedicated to the final evaluation. The modules will be organized on a fortnightly basis and participants are required to participate in the on-line discussions.
The modules are designed in a way that learners are also able to self-assess their understanding through practical exercises which will be in the form of quizzes hat will support active learning. Additional resources such as bibliographies, web links and optional readings are provided for participants who wish to deepen their knowledge of the course topic.
The course will be delivered in English, with another cohort planned for February 2027 to be delivered in French. The pedagogical team will include a team of moderators and resource persons with first-hand knowledge of international trade, specifically including intra-African trade, digital solutions for MSMEs applied to trade and service.
Target Beneficiaries
The training programme targets African MSME owners and managers who are active or aspiring to participate in cross-border trade. Priority will be given to:
Women and youth entrepreneurs
Digitally active MSMEs with an existing or emerging online presence
Enterprises operating in tradable goods and are export-ready
MSMEs seeking to expand from domestic to regional African markets
Applicants must be owners or managers of registered MSMEs operating in an African country. They should demonstrate interest in cross-border or digital trade. Participants must commit to full participation in the virtual sessions.
Technical requirements
Access to internet is an essential condition for participation. The following specifications, as a minimum in terms of hardware and software, are required to take part in this training. Please ensure that you have the following:
· Platform: Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, ME, XP or superior; Mac OS 9 or Mac OS X; Linux
· Hardware: 64 MB of RAM, 1 GB of free disk space
· Software:
o Adobe Acrobat Reader
o Adobe Flash Player
o Microsoft Office (Windows or Mac) or Open Office
o Browser: Internet Explorer 7 or higher or Firefox 36 or higher
· Modem: 56 K
· Note that JavaScript, Cookies and Pop-ups must be enabled
Important dates
Deadline for Applications: 18 September 2026
Course Period: October-December 2026
Contacts
ECA-RITD-African Trade Policy Center / ECA-IDEP Training and Research Division
Email: nelly.muriuki@un.org and catherine.lalyre@un.org
DHL GoTrade
Contacts: Edna.Kerubo@dhl.com and Maximillian.effah@dhl.com