The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with the SAB Foundation, is implementing an Export Readiness Program to prepare emerging South African businesses for international trade. The program forms part of a structured pathway to develop globally competitive small businesses, with investment from both partners.
The initiative began with an export awareness workshop that introduced SAB Foundation entrepreneurs to the opportunities and requirements of global markets. This was followed by an export readiness assessment that evaluated participating companies and identified their strengths and areas for improvement.
© Dtic South Africa
The program has now advanced into its third phase with intensive training and coaching through the DTIC's Global Export Passport Program (GEPP). The week-long training focused on export strategy development, compliance, logistics, and market entry planning. Over the next four months, the program will continue with further phases of the GEPP, with each business receiving tailored coaching to develop an export marketing plan.
As part of the activities, participants visited in2food, a South African agri-business supplying local retailers and export markets in the United Kingdom and the European Union. The visit provided practical insight into meeting global standards and scaling operations for export.
Future phases of the program will include market access support, linking businesses with relevant platforms, buyers, and opportunities to showcase products internationally.
Mr Kwanele Mkhwanazi, Director of Export Development and Support at the dtic, said: "A key improvement we have made to the Global Export Passport Program is the introduction of study tours such as the one to In2Food. This ensures that entrepreneurs learn practically from well-established exporters what it truly takes to compete globally before venturing into their own export journey."
"We also call on established exporters to partner with the dtic in mentoring emerging exporters by sharing their skills, experiences, and knowledge, so that we build a stronger and more inclusive export ecosystem for South Africa," he added.
Ms Itumeleng Dhlamini, Head of Program at the SAB Foundation, said the partnership enables the foundation to provide more than funding and business support. "By collaborating with the dtic, we are helping small businesses unlock international opportunities that can create jobs and drive inclusive growth," she said.
By the conclusion of the program, participating enterprises are expected to be export-ready, equipped with tailored strategies, and positioned to access global markets.
For more information:
Bongani Lukhele
The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition
Tel: +27 012 394 1643
Email: [email protected]
www.thedtic.gov.za