For many young entrepreneurs in Africa, the idea of selling products beyond their borders feels like a distant dream. The ambition is there, but challenges such as complex regulations, scarce resources, and limited export expertise often stand in the way. To help bridge that gap, Orange Corners, together with Globally Cool, has launched a new pilot programme supporting alumni entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Orange Corners, an initiative of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, equips young entrepreneurs across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East with the tools they need to grow: training, mentorship, access to networks, funding, and essential facilities to start and scale their businesses.
Learning together
Most Orange Corners alumni are eager to explore international markets. But many have never made their first shipment abroad. Common obstacles include not knowing the export rules, struggling to research new markets, and having no clear plan to get started. Local support hubs want to help, but they also need better tools and training to guide entrepreneurs along the way.
This pilot programme was built around three main goals:
- Support for entrepreneurs – Fifteen alumni took part in webinars, short videos in English and French, and group feedback sessions. They also worked with practical tools such as the Export Readiness Checker and a one-page Export Marketing Plan Canvas.
- Support for hubs – Three hubs – Grow Africa (Ghana), Fate Foundation (Nigeria), and ESP (Côte d’Ivoire) – participated in training sessions to strengthen their ability to coach entrepreneurs through the export process.
- Learning together – Throughout the programme, feedback and results were collected. These insights shaped a roadmap for expanding the programme to additional hubs and countries in the future.
Why it matters
This approach was tailored to young African entrepreneurs. The e-learning consisted of short, mobile-friendly, and self-paced videos that were easy to follow. WhatsApp groups kept conversations alive between sessions, providing entrepreneurs with a space to exchange experiences and learn from one another. The programme also tackled another critical need: access to small trade loans to help businesses take their first steps into export markets.
Bringing AI into the mix
One of the unique parts of this programme is the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Globally Cool has integrated AI into all modules, making learning more practical and hands-on. For example, entrepreneurs will get clear prompting examples and step-by-step guidelines on how to apply AI tools in their export journey.
The programme is also producing 16 self-paced e-learning videos, including an introduction video using an AI-based video platform. This makes the content not only engaging but also accessible in both English and French. By combining AI with practical coaching, the programme gives entrepreneurs modern tools they can use right away.
Tangible steps toward international growth
By the end of the pilot in early 2026, the aim is for:
- 15 entrepreneurs to complete an export scan, write a one-page export plan, and start market research.
- Three hubs to deliver their first round of export coaching and adopt the tools for future use.
- A practical export strategy model that can be rolled out more widely.
For now, the hubs are choosing a “light” version of coaching, where entrepreneurs start more independently with tools and videos. Over time, this can grow into a fuller version with more hands-on coaching and group learning.
By combining practical tools, tailored training, and peer-to-peer learning, the pilot programme has shown how targeted support can help young entrepreneurs take concrete steps toward international growth. The experiences of both the entrepreneurs and the hubs have laid the foundation for scaling up, ensuring that more innovators across Africa can access the knowledge, networks, and financial resources they need to succeed in export markets. This is just the beginning of a broader journey to unlock the full potential of Africa’s entrepreneurial talent.
If your organisation is looking to empower entrepreneurs or strengthen export development, Globally Cool is here to help. Reach out to us to explore how our expertise in training, market research, and international business support can create a lasting impact for your initiatives.