Overview
Apply for the TradeRoots Africa programme by the ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship. The deadline is 15 October. The programme supports export-ready African SMEs through training, mentorship, buyer connections, and trade finance facilitation.
Complete scholarship details
Applications are open for the TradeRoots Africa (ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship) Programme 2026/2027 for export-ready African SMEs. The application deadline is 15 October . This Pan-African programme helps small and medium-sized enterprises build the skills, systems, and connections needed to trade across borders under the AfCFTA and Regional Economic Communities. The programme is delivered through virtual and blended learning. In addition, selected SMEs will move through three tiers covering foundations, digital and sector skills, and export acceleration. Application Deadline: 15 October Eligible Countries: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe Course Location: Pan-African; delivered virtually/blended with regional/corridor bootcamps Program Duration: Programme official launch November 2026 and runs until August 2027. Tier 1: November 2026–March 2027; Tier 2: April–June 2027; Tier 3: July–August 2027 Host Organization: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) — ICC Centre of Entrepreneurship Funding/Benefits: Training on export compliance and AfCFTA basics; advanced digital trade and sector skills; mentorship; buyer connections; trade finance facilitation; development of export plans and market access support About the Course TradeRoots Africa is a capacity-building programme for African SMEs that are ready to export. It focuses on helping businesses participate in cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area and regional trade frameworks. According to the provided programme summary, delivery includes virtual or blended modules, bootcamps, mentorship, buyer connections, and trade finance facilitation. As a result, participating SMEs can strengthen trade readiness and prepare for market entry or expansion. The programme has three tiers:
Tier 1: Foundational training for 1,000 SMEs Tier 2: Digital and sector-specific skills for 200 SMEs Tier 3: Export acceleration support for 50 SMEs
Who Should Apply This programme is designed for African SMEs that already have a product or service ready for export. Therefore, it is not intended for early-stage business ideas. Applicants should meet the following criteria:
Be a majority African-owned business Be registered and legally operating in an AfCFTA State Party Have been trading for at least 24 months Have a minimum annual turnover above USD 5,000 Have a product or service ready to export Have a clear target export market or corridor Commit to participating in the programme tiers and completing the Trade Readiness Assessment Ensure that a business owner or senior manager personally participates in the programme
Course Structure Three-tier programme covering export foundations, digital and sector capabilities, and export acceleration. Components include export compliance and AfCFTA training, e-commerce and sustainability modules, regional or corridor bootcamps, mentorship, buyer engagement, trade finance facilitation, and export plan development. How to Apply Interested businesses should apply through the programme application portal. Before applying, review the official programme page carefully to confirm requirements, timelines, and participation details. 👉 Visit the program page for details
Tips for this scholarship
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