Building export-ready entrepreneurs in West Africa through blended learning
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) commissioned the Orange Corners Export Readiness Programme to strengthen the internationalisation capacity of Orange Corners alumni in West Africa. Globally Cool designed and implemented a structured export capacity-building trajectory to support growth-oriented entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in developing export-ready strategies, strengthening their market positioning, and preparing for entry into European and other international markets. The programme combined digital learning, practical tools, AI-supported research, hub capacity development and individual coaching to create a scalable and results-driven export support model.
Year
Country
Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, NigeriaType of activity
- Blended learning
- Coaching
- Webinars
Activities
- Designed and launched a dedicated online Export Academy platform, providing a centralised learning environment with webinars, plenary sessions, recordings, AI prompts and downloadable tools to guide entrepreneurs step-by-step through the export journey.
- Developed and implemented the Export Readiness Checker (ERC), enabling all 15 participating companies to complete a structured baseline assessment of their export preparedness and identify targeted improvement areas.
- Delivered various webinars and plenary working sessions covering market research, SWOT analysis, value proposition development, compliance, export strategy, financing and partnership development, ensuring practical application through peer discussion and guided exercises.
- Created and integrated the Export Marketing Plan (EMP) Canvas, providing entrepreneurs with a structured methodology to build actionable export strategies aligned with European market requirements.
- Produced several bilingual micro-learning videos to reinforce learning and increase accessibility across language contexts.
- Conducted a structured Train-the-Trainer trajectory for three Orange Corners hubs, strengthening hub capacity in company selection, light export coaching and progress monitoring.
- Introduced structured 1-on-1 coaching sessions, supporting nine companies with tailored guidance on market prioritisation, compliance, certification (including HACCP), traceability and positioning strategies.
- Integrated AI-supported research tools and standardised prompts, enhancing entrepreneurs’ ability to conduct deep market research, competitor analysis and strategic positioning for EU market entry.
- Facilitated peer learning via moderated WhatsApp communities, strengthening knowledge exchange between entrepreneurs and hubs.
Results
- The 15 participating companies completed the Export Readiness Checker, establishing measurable baseline data.
- The blended learning format was extremely well received. Participant satisfaction reached exceptionally high levels, with trainers and sessions receiving maximum ratings from all respondents.
- The training and individual coaching resulted in tangible action plans for the entrepreneurs and some quick wins had already been implemented during the training.
- Multiple companies advanced concrete steps towards HACCP certification, traceability systems, improved packaging and EU-compliant labelling.
- Integration of AI in developing learning materials as well as the individual export plans demonstrably strengthened the outcome of the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Orange Corners Export Readiness Programme?
The Orange Corners Export Readiness Programme is a structured capacity-building initiative designed to help growth-oriented SMEs in West Africa develop export-ready strategies. The programme supports entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire through training, AI-supported market research, practical export tools and individual coaching, with a strong focus on EU market access.
2. What does “export readiness” mean for SMEs?
Export readiness refers to a company’s preparedness to enter and compete in international markets. This includes having a clear export strategy, validated market research, compliance with international standards (such as HACCP or EU labelling requirements), strong value propositions, financial planning and operational capacity to fulfil export orders.