TradeRoots Africa : Application
TradeRoots Africa: From "I could export" to "I do export."
TradeRoots Africa is an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Centre of Entrepreneurship programme supporting 1,000 African SMEs to build the knowledge, tools, connections and capabilities needed to expand into African markets under the AfCFTA and Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
The programme is built around six practical pillars, delivered through ICC's network of partners and business ecosystem across Africa: Trade Knowledge & Market Access, Trade Finance, Logistics, Customs & Air Transport, Digital Trade, Mentorship, and Business Development.
Three Tiers. One Export Journey.
- Tier 1 – Trade Foundations: Build your core export readiness through practical modules, webinars and peer learning.
- Tier 2 – Digital & Sector Skills: Deepen your digital, market and sector-specific capabilities through specialised sessions and bootcamps.
- Tier 3 – Export Acceleration: Move towards concrete market opportunities, partnerships and export transactions.
Who Should Apply?
TradeRoots Africa is designed for African-owned SMEs that:
- Have been operating for at least 24 months and have a minimum annual turnover of at least USD 5,000 — there is no upper limit, and more established businesses are strongly encouraged to apply;
- Have a product or service with potential for African or international markets;
- Majority African-owned
- Based in one of our priority countries (Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tunisia, and Uganda)
- Are interested in expanding across African markets;
- Are ready to invest time in building their export readiness; and Are willing to commit to the journey — participating in programme activities, completing practical assignments and taking action to address identified gaps.
Places are limited. Selection will be based on the programme eligibility criteria.
Ready to take your business across Africa? Apply now →
Registration: Takes approximately 10 minutes.
Application Timeline:
- 1 September 2026: Official launch and opening of the SME call for applications.
- 30 September 2026: Call for applications closes.
- October 2026: Internal assessment and selection of SMEs; finalisation of facilitators and country-specific programme elements.
- 23 October 2026: Notification of acceptance or rejection sent to all applicants.
- 2 November 2026: Initial webinars and commencement of programme delivery.
- Communication: All updates on your application status will be sent to the email address you register with — please check your inbox (and spam folder) regularly.
- Questions: Contact traderootsafrica@iccwbo.org if you have any queries before or during registration.
All the best, and we look forward to welcoming you to TradeRoots Africa.
The programme is built around six practical pillars, delivered through ICC's network of partners and business ecosystem across Africa:
- Trade Knowledge & Market Access – Assess your export readiness, identify gaps and build practical capabilities through webinars, bootcamps and targeted capacity building.
- Trade Finance – Connect finance-ready SMEs with banks, fintechs and trade finance institutions to help turn export opportunities into transactions.
- Logistics, Customs & Air Transport – Access practical solutions and partner networks, including preferential rates, to make cross-border trade easier and more affordable.
- Digital Trade – Build digital capabilities and access tools, e-commerce platforms and payment solutions to find markets, transact and grow.
- Mentorship – Connect with experienced business leaders and practitioners through ICC's network of National Committees, Chambers of Commerce, business networks and incubators.
- Business Development – Strengthen your business model, commercial strategy, market positioning and capacity to grow sustainably through ICC's global business network and ecosystem partners.
Learn more: TradeRoots Africa - ICC - International Chamber of Commerce
