The InnoPower Africa Foundation has partnered with the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC) to launch a Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) programme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across West Africa.
Founder of InnoPower Africa, Mr. Remy Chukwunyere, said the initiative aims to accelerate digital transformation and enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs in all 15 ECOWAS member states by closing the digital skills gap.
“The programme will focus on AI literacy, prompt engineering, and entrepreneurship development to position West African businesses for growth in the digital economy,” Chukwunyere said.
A key feature is the ECOWAS Business AI Studio, a digital platform developed by InnoPower Africa and its US partners. The platform provides MSMEs with AI-powered tools for automating business tasks, accessing market intelligence, securing finance, and supporting business formalisation.
Chukwunyere added that the programme will train 250 Master Trainers, who will then equip thousands of MSMEs—primarily women and young entrepreneurs—with advanced digital skills.
Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, Regional President of ESBC, emphasised that equipping MSMEs with AI skills is vital for sustainable economic growth.
“This partnership will strengthen West Africa’s position in the global digital economy by providing vulnerable groups with modern technology, targeted training, and the capacity to thrive in the future of work,” he said.
