The Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFА), in partnership with the Trade Law Centre (TRALAC), is hosting a high-impact, free online webinar titled “AfCFTA Update for MSMEs: Unlock Intra-African Trade Opportunities” on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, from 10:30 to 12:00, via Microsoft Teams. Designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), this session delivers actionable insights into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — helping businesses prepare for regional expansion, compliance, and competitive advantage.
With only 1,000 registrations available, early sign-up is strongly encouraged.
What’s on the Agenda: Practical AfCFTA Intelligence for MSMEs
The webinar will cover critical updates across key pillars of the AfCFTA, delivered by sector experts:
- Latest AfCFTA Negotiations: Status of ratifications and gazetted tariff schedules
- Trade in Services: New protocols and what MSMEs need to know to participate
- Key Protocols Deep Dive: Investment, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Competition Policy, Digital Trade, and Women & Youth in Trade
- SARS Guidance: How to register online for AfCFTA trade and which African markets South African businesses can currently access
- Rules of Origin: Latest requirements and practical steps for MSMEs to qualify for preferential treatment
All content is tailored for business owners—not policymakers—with real-world examples and implementation tips.
Why This Matters for MSMEs
Many South African MSMEs are unaware that AfCFTA preferences are already operational in select countries—including Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda. Yet confusion around rules of origin, documentation, and digital compliance remains a barrier to entry. This webinar bridges that gap by translating complex trade policy into clear, executable steps—enabling entrepreneurs to move from awareness to action.
Who Should Attend?
This session is ideal for:
- MSME owners exploring export or regional expansion
- Entrepreneurs in agri-processing, manufacturing, ICT, creative industries, or services
- Business support organisations advising SMEs on trade readiness
- Start-ups seeking first-mover advantage in emerging African markets
No prior trade experience is required—only a commitment to growth.
Related opportunity: Apply Now: Seriti Enterprise Development Programme for MSMEs
How to Register and Prepare
Registration is free but limited to 1,000 participants. To secure your spot:
Register Now: AfCFTA Update for MSMEs
Participants will receive a pre-event checklist, slide deck, and post-webinar resource pack—including templates for SARS registration and RoO self-assessment.
Support and Follow-Up
After the webinar, SEDFA and TRALAC will offer:
- One-on-one virtual clinics for qualifying MSMEs
- Access to the AfCFTA MSME Toolkit (digital download)
- Referrals to export readiness programmes and trade finance options
For queries, contact: info@sedfa.co.za or call 011 403 1200.
Stay Updated
Want to stay informed about more funding opportunities,grants, business support programmes, tenders, incubators, training, and SMME resources in South Africa? Follow our updates on the StepApp Network:
- WhatsApp Channel: Follow StepApp Updates
- Facebook Page: Follow us
- WhatsApp Group: Join here
- LinkedIn Profile: Connect with StepApp
- X (Twitter): Follow StepApp SA on X