DTIC Partnership Brings Finance, Digital Tools and Trade Support to African SMEs
DTIC Partnership Brings Finance, Digital Tools and Trade Support to African SMEs. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), DHL, Standard Bank and MTN have partnered to support African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to overcome barriers to cross-border trade.
The collaboration was launched under DHL’s GoTrade programme and brings together government, logistics, financial services and telecommunications expertise. The initiative will focus on export readiness, access to finance, digital adoption and connections to new markets.
The partnership between the dtic and DHL will include trade education, capacity-building programmes, business clinics, trade missions and corridor activation initiatives. It will also raise awareness of trade frameworks, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and other agreements that provide opportunities for African businesses.
Acting deputy director-general at the dtic, Willem van der Spuy, said the partnership demonstrated the importance of collaboration in strengthening trade and economic development.
Standard Bank will contribute its pan-African presence and trade-finance expertise. The bank will provide SMEs with finance, advisory support and access to trade networks as they seek to enter new markets.
Its Export Readiness Programme provides entrepreneurs with knowledge, advisory support and practical tools for international trade. The programme was launched in KwaZulu-Natal in 2025 and has since expanded to Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Standard Bank will also use its partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China to support business matchmaking, trade linkages and market-access opportunities between African and Chinese businesses.
MTN will provide digital skills training, connectivity and cloud solutions. The telecommunications group will also support digital payments, online marketing, mentorship and guidance for businesses exploring export opportunities.
David Behr, MTN Group chief enterprise business officer, said digital transformation was important for business growth and competitiveness.
The initiatives form part of DHL’s GoTrade programme, which has been launched in more than 50 countries since 2021. DHL said the programme has supported more than 24,000 SMEs globally, including more than 8,000 women-owned businesses.
Across sub-Saharan Africa, more than 8,000 SMEs have participated in GoTrade programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, said SMEs faced barriers involving financing, digital adoption, trade knowledge and market access.
The partners said the collaboration is intended to build a stronger pipeline of export-ready businesses and support greater participation in regional and global trade.
