Standard Bank has expanded its Export Readiness Programme to Gauteng and Western Cape following a pilot in KwaZulu-Natal,.
DHL Express South Africa is joining as the programme’s technical export readiness partner.
The initiative aims to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the skills, knowledge and practical support needed to access international markets and grow beyond South Africa’s borders.
Delivered through Standard Bank’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme, the initiative targets businesses that are already exporting or are export-ready and can demonstrate strong growth potential.
Building export-ready businesses
The programme combines business development with practical training on export readiness, international trade processes, customs compliance, logistics, market research, market entry strategies and export finance.
DHL Express South Africa will provide expertise on cross-border trade and international logistics, while Standard Bank will support participating businesses through its ESD programme.
Head of Enterprise and Supplier Development at Standard Bank South Africa, Naledzani Mosomane, said many SMEs have the potential to succeed internationally but require the right support.
“Exporting can unlock significant opportunities for South African SMEs, but sustainable success requires more than access to international markets. Businesses need the right capabilities, practical support and trusted partners to compete globally,” she said.
Mosomane said the partnership would equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks and confidence needed to expand internationally while contributing to inclusive economic growth.
Untapped export potential
Although South Africa exports billions of rands worth of goods each year, relatively few SMEs participate directly in international trade. Larger companies continue to dominate exports despite SMEs making up the majority of businesses in the country.
Industry estimates show SMEs contribute about 39% of South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employ nearly 47% of the country’s workforce, yet only a small proportion export their products and services.
The country exports more than R170 billion of goods in a typical month, with major destinations including China, Germany, the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom. This highlights the opportunities available to businesses.
Driving business growth
Managing Director of DHL Express South Africa, Herman Venter, said many SMEs have ambition to compete internationally but struggle to navigate the complexities of global trade.
“By partnering with Standard Bank, we are bringing our international logistics and trade expertise to help businesses better understand export processes, customs requirements and cross-border trade, giving them the confidence to access new markets and grow sustainably,” he said.
The programme is open to qualifying SMEs regardless of where they bank. Eligible businesses must be at least 51% black-owned, generate annual turnover of between R1 million and R50 million, have operated for at least 24 months and be based in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal or the Western Cape.
Qualifying businesses can apply through Standard Bank’s Export Readiness Programme.
The bank said the initiative is also designed to strengthen business competitiveness, improve operational capability and create opportunities that support entrepreneurship, job creation and long-term economic growth.
Applications close on 10 July 2026.
