Johannesburg, South Africa — During the EU–African SME Summit 2025, held at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Giorgia Morossi of European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME presented the Smart Step Project, drawing attention to its role in strengthening education, skills development, and youth employability across Africa.

The third edition of the EU–African SME Summit brought together a dynamic mix of political leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and ecosystem builders from both Africa and Europe. The event served as a strategic platform to explore how cross-continental cooperation, particularly through small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), can drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Organised by European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME, Shared Value Africa, PACCI, and BVMW, the summit emphasized the importance of practical solutions that connect education systems to the real needs of the labour market.

One of the standout initiatives presented was Smart Step, an innovative project designed to bridge the gap between education and employment in Africa. By providing young people with market-relevant skills, entrepreneurial training, and digital tools, Smart Step aims to empower the next generation of African professionals and business leaders.

Speaking at the summit, Morossi highlighted how Smart Step responds directly to the challenges faced by African youth entering the workforce, offering a skills-driven pathway to employment, entrepreneurship, and economic participation.

The event reaffirmed a shared conviction among participants: Africa’s greatest resource is its young population. With the right partnerships, investment, and innovation, youth-focused initiatives like Smart Step can play a pivotal role in shaping a future where economic development and social impact grow together.

As Europe and Africa continue to strengthen their collaboration, projects such as Smart Step demonstrate how education, entrepreneurship, and SME engagement can be powerful drivers of long-term prosperity on both continents.