CAF allocates an investment of US$ 250 thousand to promote Afro-entrepreneurship in Latin America, promoting inclusion and economic development.
This support seeks to overcome the barriers faced by Afro-descendant entrepreneurs, strengthening their capabilities and access to new markets.
The initiative is part of a multinational program that promotes equity and sustainable growth in various Afro-descendant communities.
Context and challenges of Afro-entrepreneurship in Latin America
Afro-entrepreneurship in Latin America faces historical inequalities that limit its economic and social development in multiple aspects.
Despite their potential, many Afro-descendant entrepreneurs operate in vulnerable conditions and with precarious access to formal markets.
These challenges reflect structural barriers that hinder the full inclusion and sustainable growth of their ventures.
Economic and social situation of Afro-descendant entrepreneurs
More than 49% of Afro-descendant entrepreneurs earn up to a minimum wage, showing severe financial limitations.
Only 9% manage to sell to large companies, restricting their marketing channels and expansion opportunities.
This reality reveals a significant gap in the ability to access more profitable and formalized markets.
Main obstacles: low income, limited access to markets and economic vulnerability
The main challenges include reduced income, which affects investment and growth of Afro-descendant businesses.
Restricted access to formal markets limits the scalability and competitive positioning of your products and services.
Likewise, economic vulnerability generates difficulties in consolidating stable and sustainable ventures.
The strategic alliance between CAF and the Feira Preta Institute
CAF and the Feira Preta Institute joined forces to strengthen Afro-entrepreneurship in Latin America through an innovative and sustainable program.
This alliance seeks to enhance the economic development of Afro-descendant entrepreneurs, promoting inclusion and equity in various sectors.
The joint work focuses on building an ecosystem that facilitates training and access to markets for these entrepreneurs.
Renewal of the alliance in 2026 and objectives of the multinational program
In 2026, the alliance between CAF and Feira Preta will be renewed to continue promoting the growth of Afro-entrepreneurs in the region.
The multinational program aims to improve the technical and commercial capabilities of Afro-descendant entrepreneurs.
It also seeks to generate relevant data that allows designing effective public policies to strengthen this entrepreneurial sector.
Beneficiary countries: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Panama
The program directly benefits entrepreneurs from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Panama, expanding its regional impact.
These countries represent diverse centers where the initiative promotes networks and opportunities for local Afro-entrepreneurs.
The inclusion of several nations allows sharing experiences and good practices between Afro-descendant Latin American communities.
Key components of the Multinational Training Program for Afro-descendant entrepreneurs
The program offers comprehensive training to strengthen technical and business skills of Afro-entrepreneurs.
It includes activities aimed at promoting innovation, efficient management and access to new market opportunities.
In addition, the importance of data generation and analysis is emphasized to improve the impact and sustainability of ventures.
Duration, vocational training activities and data production
The program has a specific duration that allows continuous and practical training for Afro-descendant entrepreneurs.
Workshops, mentoring and specialized courses are developed to optimize the business capabilities of the participants.
The collection and analysis of data contributes to supporting decisions and designing public policies that support this sector.
Articulation of networks and strengthening of the Afro-entrepreneurial ecosystem
The program encourages the creation of collaborative networks to connect entrepreneurs and enhance business opportunities.
These networks help strengthen the Afro-entrepreneurial ecosystem, creating a more inclusive and competitive environment.
The interaction between regional actors promotes the comprehensive and sustainable development of Afro-descendant enterprises.
Impact and perspectives of the program on the Latin American entrepreneurial ecosystem
The program promotes significant change in the Afro-entrepreneurial ecosystem, promoting greater inclusion and sustainable growth.
Its comprehensive approach strengthens the technical and commercial capabilities and network of contacts of Afro-descendant entrepreneurs.
This contributes to consolidating a more diverse and competitive ecosystem that favors regional equity and economic development.
Inclusion, diversity and maturity of the ecosystem in 2026
For 2026, an Afro-descendant entrepreneurial ecosystem with greater inclusion and diversity in different economic sectors is expected.
The maturity of the ecosystem will be reflected in the stability of ventures and the growing participation in formal markets.
These advances promote equal opportunities and strengthen the cultural and economic contribution of Afro-descendant communities.
International scalability and strengthening global competitiveness
The program facilitates the internationalization of Afro-descendant ventures, expanding their reach and global competitiveness.
By connecting regional networks with international markets, an environment conducive to scaling innovative and sustainable businesses is created.
This positions Latin American Afro-entrepreneurs as key actors in the global economy, with positive long-term impacts.
