Afretrade, a pan-African trade and cultural enterprise, on Monday launched a continent-wide talent and business roadshow, screening over 300 applicants to position African creatives and entrepreneurs globally.
The initiative precedes The Afretrade Entrepreneur Festival (TAEF), slated for June in Lagos, and drew over 100 startups and creative talents in its first auditions.
Speaking in Lagos, TAEF Youth Director, Mr Paul Akume, said the exercise marked a critical step in identifying individuals to drive Africa’s economic and cultural transformation.
According to him, the initiative integrates diverse sectors to foster collaboration and unlock innovation. He noted that participants were assessed based on their talent and capacity to scale impact.
It was reported that about 26 businesses and 27 creative talents are expected to progress to the next stage, subject to judges’ decisions.
“We brought them together to physically assess their potential, from dancers showcasing expression to entrepreneurs pitching innovative ideas.
“What we are building is a community where creativity meets enterprise, because both are essential to creating real change in society.
“This is beyond a competition. It is about discovering potential, nurturing it, and building individuals and businesses into global brands,” Akume said.
He called for government backing to scale the initiative, stressing the role of young people in driving economic growth.
“At the centre of both the creative industry and entrepreneurship are young people. Supporting initiatives like this is investing in the future of the economy,” he said.
Head of Sales and Marketing, Mr Moses Awenayeri, described the roadshow as a strategic intervention to “ignite the African Renaissance” by unlocking human capital.
“Africa is home to dynamic creative and entrepreneurial talent. This roadshow finds, amplifies, and connects them to global opportunities,” he said.
Awenayeri said the initiative spans performing talents and African businesses, both to be showcased at the festival from June 16 to June 19 in Lagos.
He said Afretrade would award a 10,000-dollar investment grant to outstanding participants, positioning them before investors, industry leaders, and global partners.
According to him, outstanding creative and startup participants would each receive 5,000 dollars.
“This is not just prize money; it is a strategic investment in African excellence. We are creating visibility, access, and real opportunities for growth,” he added.
He said the roadshow would tour key cities, building a pipeline of talent and enterprise feeding into a major culture-meets-commerce gathering.
The festival is expected to convene investors, policymakers, and industry leaders, creating a high-value platform for partnerships, deal-making, and global exposure.
