DHL Express and Absa Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand the DHL GoTrade programme across Sub-Saharan Africa, with the partnership aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) overcome barriers to cross-border trade and expand into international markets.
The agreement brings together DHL’s logistics and trade expertise with Absa Group’s banking, digital and financial services capabilities. The two companies plan to provide SMEs with practical training, trade tools and access to financial and logistics solutions designed to support exports, e-commerce and sustainable business growth.
The partnership is expected to extend the GoTrade programme into additional African markets, with Mozambique and Tanzania next in line for launch. Uganda was among the first markets to implement the programme, where approximately 1,600 SMEs have already received training. Entrepreneurs in Kenya, Botswana and Zambia have also benefited from the initiative.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi said the partnership will help SMMEs address the critical constraints to regional growth.
“This partnership brings together the finance, logistics, market knowledge and public support that SMMEs need to trade beyond our borders. By building the capacity of South African enterprises to enter African markets, we are not only growing individual businesses – we are strengthening intra-African trade, creating jobs and using the African market to power South Africa’s economic growth.” He said.
The MOU was signed by Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, and Faisal Mkhize, Managing Executive for Business Development, Business Banking Pan-Africa at Absa Group.
“Every successful business starts with someone brave enough to dream bigger. Across Africa, there are thousands of entrepreneurs with incredible ideas, determination and ambition, but many still face stumbling blocks when it comes to trading globally.” Said Hennie Heymans.
“By partnering with Absa Group, we are creating a powerful ecosystem that combines logistics excellence with financial expertise, ensuring that SMEs across the continent to grow sustainably. To be clear, this is really about helping African SMEs turn big ambitions into real opportunities. Whether it’s understanding how to export for the first time, finding the right financial support, reaching new customers online, or expanding into international markets,” he added.
For SMEs seeking to expand beyond their domestic markets, the programme is intended to address some of the practical challenges involved in international trade, including export knowledge, logistics, access to financial services and reaching customers through online channels.
Absa Group’s Mkhize said the collaboration is focused on providing business owners with support and trade solutions as they seek to expand beyond their local markets.
“SMEs are at the heart of Africa’s economic future. They create jobs and strengthen communities. Our partnership with DHL Express is about giving business owners practical support, and access to trade solutions that can help them move beyond their local markets and realize their growth ambitions,” said Mkhize.
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