Afretrade, a pan-African trade and cultural enterprise, has 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, 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 participants were assessed for talent and their capacity to scale impact.

“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 invests in the future of the economy,” he said.

Head of Sales and Marketing, Moses Awenayeri, described the roadshow as a strategic intervention to “ignite the African Renaissance” by unlocking human capital.