Elevate Evidence Hub supports inclusive trade and investment by producing evidence that helps shape equitable, pro-development economic policies across Africa. We work to ensure that trade and investment are not just macroeconomic concepts, but practical tools for uplifting everyday entrepreneurs — especially women and youth-led enterprises. Our focus includes small and medium enterprises (SMEs), spaza shops, and the informal sector, which form the backbone of Africa’s local economies. Through research and capacity-building, we promote financial literacy, basic accounting skills, and credit profile development — essential tools that unlock access to finance and improve business sustainability. We also engage financial institutions, investors, and policymakers to co-create enabling environments that expand access to markets and capital for underserved businesses. Additionally, we support regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by translating complex trade policies into actionable insights for grassroots entrepreneurs. Our goal is to ensure that Africa’s trade and investment landscape becomes more inclusive, localized, and transformative.