Afretrade Targets global market with Pan-African talent hunt, $10,000 grant push for startups, creatives
Afretrade, a pan-African trade and cultural enterprise, has launched a continent-wide roadshow aimed at discovering and promoting African creatives and startups, as part of efforts to position them for global opportunities.
Afretrade, a pan-African trade and cultural enterprise, has launched a continent-wide roadshow aimed at discovering and promoting African creatives and startups, as part of efforts to position them for global opportunities.
The initiative, unveiled in Lagos, comes ahead of the Afretrade Entrepreneur Festival (TAEF) scheduled to hold in June, and has already attracted over 300 applicants, with more than 100 startups and creative talents participating in its first round of auditions.
Paul Akume, TAEF youth director, described the roadshow as a major step toward identifying individuals capable of driving Africa’s economic and cultural transformation.
He said participants were carefully assessed not only for their talent but also for their ability to scale impact, noting that the programme blends creativity with entrepreneurship to unlock innovation across sectors.
“We are building a community where creativity meets enterprise because both are essential to creating real change. This is not just a competition; it is about nurturing talent and turning ideas into global brands,” he said.
About 26 businesses and 27 creative talents are expected to move to the next stage of the selection process, subject to judges’ final decisions.
Akume also called for stronger government support, stressing that young people remain central to both the creative industry and entrepreneurship, and are key drivers of economic growth.
Moses Awenayeri, head of sales and marketing, described the initiative as a strategic move to unlock Africa’s human capital and spark what he called an African Renaissance.
According to him, the roadshow is designed to identify, amplify and connect African talents and businesses to global platforms and investors.
He revealed that outstanding participants would receive a total investment grant of 10,000 dollars, with 5,000 dollars each allocated to top creatives and startups.
“This is more than prize money. It is a deliberate investment in African excellence, giving participants visibility and access to real growth opportunities,” Awenayeri said.
The roadshow is expected to tour key cities across Africa, creating a pipeline of talent and enterprises that will feed into the June 16–19 festival in Lagos.
Moss Uromtah, regional project manager of TAEF, described the upcoming festival as a major platform that will bring together investors, policymakers, corporate leaders and development organisations.
He said the event would serve as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation and sustainable economic development across the continent.
According to him, the gathering will not only showcase African talent but also create opportunities for partnerships, deal-making and global exposure, helping to position Africa more competitively on the world stage.
