Strategic Partnership Aims to Empower African SMEs for Cross-Border Growth

A new collaboration between South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Standard Bank, MTN, and DHL is set to transform the landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises across Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative, launched under DHL’s GoTrade banner, addresses critical barriers to growth that many African businesses face: limited access to finance, export readiness gaps, digital adoption challenges, and market entry constraints.

GoTrade has already supported over 24,000 SMEs globally since 2021, including more than 8,000 women-owned businesses. In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, over 8,000 SMEs have benefited from GoTrade programs and capacity-building initiatives.

“Across Sub-Saharan Africa, SMEs represent more than 90% of businesses and provide approximately 70% of employment,” noted Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express SSA. “We’re excited to create a collaborative ecosystem that addresses these challenges through practical interventions at every stage of the export journey.”

The partnership leverages complementary strengths from government, financial services, telecommunications, and logistics. The dtic will focus on trade education, capacity-building programs, business clinics, and promoting frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Standard Bank brings its pan-African presence, trade finance expertise, and access to trusted networks to help SMEs translate export ambition into reality. Their Export Readiness Program provides entrepreneurs with essential knowledge, advisory support, and practical tools for international competition.

Beyond financial solutions, Standard Bank facilitates connections between African and Chinese businesses through its partnership with ICBC, creating new market-access opportunities.

With 300 million Euro earmarked for investment in Africa by 2030, DHL is committed to extending trade participation and supporting sustainable growth across the continent.