This innovative program seeks to strengthen the Afro-entrepreneurial ecosystem in Latin America, promoting inclusion and sustainable economic development.
With a significant investment, CAF and Instituto Feira Preta join forces to train and support Afro-descendant entrepreneurs from several countries.
The initiative responds to the need to overcome structural barriers that limit the growth and competitiveness of Afro businesses in the region.
Context and Background of Afroentrepreneurship in Latin America
Afro-entrepreneurship in Latin America has been key to the social and economic inclusion of Afro-descendant communities, facing multiple structural barriers.
These barriers limit full participation in the business ecosystem and make it difficult to access resources, networks and financing necessary to grow.
In 2024, CAF and the Feira Preta Institute carried out a pioneering study that analyzes challenges, characteristics and potential of regional Afro-entrepreneurship.
Pioneer Regional Study 2024 on the Afro-entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The study revealed that 49% of Afro-descendant entrepreneurs earn up to a minimum wage, and only 9% manage to sell to large companies.
Likewise, 45% face limitations such as difficulties in accessing financing and lack of formal support networks for their development.
These data allow us to identify the main areas where intervention and strengthening are urgent within the ecosystem.
Barriers and economic inequalities faced by Afro-descendant entrepreneurs
Barriers include restricted access to credit, lack of technical training, and systemic discrimination that limits opportunities.
Furthermore, low insertion in formal markets and poor coordination in collaborative networks slow down its sustainable growth.
These inequalities affect the expansion capacity, sustainability and scalability of their ventures in Latin America.
Details of the Multinational Training Program
The program seeks to strengthen the capabilities of Afro-entrepreneurs with specialized training, facilitating their access to key resources.
With an investment of US$ 250 thousand, financial inclusion and sustainable economic development will be promoted in the Afro-descendant sector.
This initiative is projected as a bridge to overcome structural barriers and enhance regional business growth.
Objectives, duration and investment of the program
The main objective of the program is comprehensive training and financial support during a specific training period.
Its estimated duration includes several phases that include workshops, mentoring and access to market networks and financing.
The investment of US$ 250 thousand will finance high-impact activities to achieve an inclusive and dynamic ecosystem.
Participating countries and key components of training
Various Latin American countries with Afro-descendant communities participate, promoting regional cooperation and the exchange of experiences.
Components include business skills development, access to capital, networking and specialized consulting.
In addition, the creation of collaborative networks and the strengthening of formal commercial links are promoted.
Perspectives and Statements of the Protagonists
The program leaders highlight the importance of strengthening the Afro-entrepreneurial ecosystem to close inequality gaps.
It is recognized that training and financial support must be accompanied by an inclusive vision that promotes sustainability.
The program is a strategic step to develop effective solutions and raise the profile of Afro-entrepreneurs in the region.
CAF position and commitments in financial inclusion
CAF reaffirms its commitment to the financial inclusion of Afro-entrepreneurs through specialized resources and programs.
The entity promotes alliances that improve access to fair financing and the generation of economic opportunities.
This program reflects CAF's commitment to more equitable economic development and the reduction of structural inequalities.
Vision and commitment of the Feira Preta Institute on inclusion
The Feira Preta Institute seeks to empower Afro-descendant entrepreneurs through comprehensive cultural and technical training.
Its commitment focuses on strengthening collaborative networks that make Afro businesses visible and energized in Latin America.
The institution considers the active participation of the community essential to foster a diverse and inclusive ecosystem.
Expected Impact and Future of the Afro-entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The program promises to transform the Afro-entrepreneurial ecosystem, encouraging equity through specialized training and access to financing.
Capacity building is expected to drive sustainable development, increasing the visibility and competitiveness of these entrepreneurs.
In addition, the initiative seeks to generate a cultural and structural change that promotes long-term social and economic inclusion in the region.
Benefits of the program for entrepreneurs in key countries
Entrepreneurs will receive comprehensive training, access to networks and mentoring that increase their market and financing opportunities.
These resources will allow you to overcome previous limitations, facilitating the expansion and consolidation of your businesses in formal markets.
The program will enhance their innovation capacity, promoting sustainable business models with a positive impact on their communities.
Structural challenges and the call for inclusive public policies
Challenges such as systemic discrimination and limited access to financing persist that require comprehensive and public solutions.
It is essential to design inclusive policies that facilitate access to capital, training and markets for Afro-entrepreneurs.
Only with a multisectoral approach can gaps be reduced and a fair and sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem guaranteed.
