SMEs in Africa represent more than 80 percent of the private enterprises and are the largest source of employment for women and youth. Thus, the internationalization of African businesses through the establishment of linkages to global and regional markets is critical to job creation in Africa and the promotion U.S.- Africa trade and investment. Also, U.S. and African government agencies, international finance institutions as well as non-profit organizations play key roles in preparing African businesses and entrepreneurs for growth and readiness through funding and capacity - building initiatives. This panel will bring together the stakeholders- public and private- that are contributing to the growth of entrepreneurship on the continent to discuss their initiatives as well as ways to build an enabling environment, increase innovation and promote new growth segments that will integrate African SMEs into global value chains.