BUSINESSAfrica Members Benefit from Launch of AI for SMEs Course under AI Xcelerate Programme
The International Organisation of Employers (IOE) officially launched the AI for SMEs Course on 21 January 2026, a free online learning initiative delivered with the support of Microsoft under the AI Xcelerate programme. The course targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, equipping them with practical and responsible approaches to adopting artificial intelligence in business operations.
As a member of IOE, BUSINESSAfrica is facilitating awareness and uptake of the programme among its membership base across the continent. Initial engagement and promotion activities have already been undertaken within BUSINESSAfrica members, including the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE), Confédération Générale des Entreprises du Maroc (CGEM), Union Patronale et Interprofessionnelle du Congo (UNICONGO) and Confédération Générale des Entreprises de Guinée (CGE-GUI). These organisations are encouraging SMEs within their networks to enroll and leverage AI as a productivity and competitiveness tool.
During the launch of the programme in Kenya for FKE members, Ms Jacqueline Mugo, President IOE and Secretary-General of BUSINESSAfrica in her opening remarks, emphasized that the future of enterprises belongs to those willing to learn, adapt, and evolve with emerging technologies.
The AI for SMEs course provides a structured introduction to AI adoption, focusing on real-world business application rather than technical complexity. Participants will gain insights on:
- Understand the opportunities and risks of AI for SMEs
- Identify where AI can add value in your business
- Choose and use practical AI tools
- Apply responsible AI principles
- Build an AI-ready workforce and organisation
The programme is designed to support enterprises at different stages of digital maturity, enabling business leaders to move from exploration to practical implementation without requiring specialised technical expertise or significant investment.
The course is free, self-paced, and currently available in English through the IOE learning platform. In addition, the AI Xcelerate programme continues to offer the
AI Fluency Course, which supports participants in progressing from foundational AI awareness to applied business usage.
BUSINESSAfrica encourages member federations and enterprises to take advantage of this opportunity as part of broader efforts to strengthen digital transformation, productivity, and future-of-work readiness among African SMEs.
Access the course: https://learn.ioe-emp.org/