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South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Standard Bank, MTN, and DHL (www.DHL.com) have announced a series of strategic partnerships aimed at helping SMEs across Sub-Saharan Africa scale their businesses, access new markets and participate more effectively in regional and global trade.

Launched under the banner of DHL's GoTrade, this series of initiatives are aimed at helping African businesses overcome some of the most common barriers to growth, including limited access to finance, export readiness challenges, digital adoption gaps and market access constraints.

Since 2021, GoTrade has launched in more than 50 countries, supporting more than 24,000 SMEs globally, including more than 8,000 women-owned businesses. Across Sub-Saharan Africa specifically, more than 8,000 SMEs have participated in GoTrade programmes and capacity-building initiatives. DHL will be investing 300 million Euro on the African continent by 2030, as part of this investment the company will continue investing programs that extend participation in trade and support sustainable growth.

"Across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), SMEs represent more than 90% of businesses and provide approximately 70% of employment, making them one of the continent's most important engines of economic opportunity and inclusive growth. Despite their significance, many of our entrepreneurs continue to face barriers related to financing, digital adoption, trade knowledge and market access, limiting their ability to participate fully in regional and global trade.

We are excited to work with our partners to create a collaborative ecosystem aimed at addressing these challenges through practical interventions that support businesses at every stage of their export journey," said Hennie Heymans, CEO DHL Express SSA.

The partnerships announced bring together complementary expertise from government, financial services, telecommunications and international logistics to create a practical support ecosystem for businesses looking to grow through trade.

The partnership between the dtic and DHL supports the department's broader objectives around industrialisation, export growth and emerging exporter development. The collaboration will focus on trade education, capacity-building programmes, business clinics, trade missions, corridor activation initiatives and increased awareness of key trade frameworks, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other trade agreements that create new opportunities for African businesses.

"This partnership between the dtic and DHL demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing trade and economic development," said Acting Deputy Director-General Willem van der Spuy. “By working together with private-sector partners, we can provide businesses with practical support that enhances competitiveness, drives export participation and enables more emerging exporters (especially SMEs) to benefit from regional and global trade opportunities. Government's role is to convene the right partners around a common framework, and this initiative reflects exactly that: the dtic setting the direction, with DHL and its partners Standard Bank and MTN strengthening delivery on the ground."

Through its partnership with DHL, Standard Bank will bring its pan-African footprint, trade-finance expertise and cross-border trade ecosystem to help SMEs access new markets and participate more effectively in regional and global value chains. Standard Bank's role in the partnership is to help SMEs translate export ambition into bankable, executable trade opportunities by combining finance, advisory support and access to trusted trade networks. In addition to banking and trade-finance solutions, the bank will connect businesses to its Export Readiness Programme, which provides entrepreneurs with the knowledge, advisory support and practical tools needed to compete internationally. First launched in KwaZulu-Natal in 2025, the programme has since expanded to Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Standard Bank's strategic partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) also enables business matchmaking, trade linkages and market-access opportunities between African and Chinese businesses. In 2025, the bank connected clients from four African markets with Chinese importers across product categories including rooibos tea, coffee, cocoa, nuts and wine, helping to unlock meaningful new export opportunities for African businesses.  Standard Bank's trade and payments capabilities also help SMEs navigate one of the most complex aspects of international expansion: moving money safely, efficiently and across borders. By combining banking infrastructure with trade expertise and partner networks, the bank is helping African businesses participate in global trade with greater confidence.

"Access to finance alone is not enough. SMEs also need access to buyers, markets, trade knowledge and trusted networks. Through our Export Readiness Programme, our international partnerships and our collaboration with DHL, Standard Bank is helping African businesses build the practical capabilities and connections they need to trade beyond their domestic markets. This partnership strengthens our ability to support SMEs across key trade corridors, including within Africa, and to help them grow with greater confidence," says Bill Blackie, Chief Executive of Business & Commercial Banking at Standard Bank Group.

Through its collaboration with DHL, MTN will help SMEs digitise and grow their operations by providing digital skills training, access to connectivity and cloud solutions that enable secure data storage, team collaboration, remote working and business scalability, digital payment capabilities, online marketing support. The partnership will also provide SMEs with mentorship opportunities, and guidance on expanding into new markets through exporting.

"Digital transformation is a critical enabler of business growth and competitiveness," said David Behr, MTN Group Chief Enterprise Business Officer. "By combining MTN's reach and digital capabilities with DHL's international trade expertise, we can help SMEs embrace technology, improve business performance and access new opportunities across Africa and beyond."

Together, the partners aim to create a stronger pipeline of export-ready businesses equipped to compete in increasingly interconnected markets. The collaborative initiatives are expected to support entrepreneurship, job creation and economic inclusion across African markets.

"African SMEs have the ambition and innovation needed to compete globally, but they cannot do it alone. Success in international trade requires access to the right combination of knowledge, finance, technology, policy support and logistics capability. By bringing together the strengths of the public and private sectors, we are creating an ecosystem that will help more businesses become export-ready, connect to international markets and contribute meaningfully to Africa's economic growth agenda. Our ambition is not only to help SMEs trade more, but to help them grow sustainably, create jobs and unlock new opportunities across the continent," added Heymans.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of DHL Express.

Media Contacts: 
DHL Express SSA
Lerato Moeletsi-Banda
Mail: lerato.moeletsi-banda@dhl.com

the dtic
Bongani Lukhele
Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
Email: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za  or Mediarelations@thedtic.gov.za   
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)

Social Media: 
DHL Africa
LinkedIn: DHL Africa

dtic
X: @the_dtic

DHL – The logistics company for the world: 
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivaled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

About GoTrade:
GoTrade is DHL's strategic initiative to unlock global trade opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By partnering and building an ecosystem with public and private sector stakeholders, and collaborating with international development and intergovernmental agencies, GoTrade addresses systemic barriers to SME participation in international markets and promotes sustainable trade growth worldwide.

The program leverages DHL's unparalleled global network, logistics expertise, and market insights to connect SMEs with cross-border opportunities. Through Capacity Building and Trade Advocacy, GoTrade equips businesses with the skills, resources, and support needed to scale internationally and operate sustainably. This approach not only accelerates SME growth but also drives economic development in emerging markets, creating long-term value for stakeholders and contributing to resilient global supply chains.

GoTrade represents DHL's commitment to inclusive trade and sustainable economic progress. For more information on GoTrade, click here: https://apo-opa.co/4q9d0UE

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A delegation from the Women's Legislative Caucus of Liberia (WLCL), in partnership with UN Women Liberia, is embarking on a South-South Peer Learning Mission to India under the project "Women Legislators in Liberia: Promoting Voice, Leadership and Gender-Responsive Governance for Sustainable Development," funded by the IBSA Fund (India, Brazil, South Africa) through the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) and implemented by UN Women Liberia  and the WLCL.

The mission runs from 10 to 16 August 2026 in New Delhi. The delegation will engage directly with Indian counterparts on women's political leadership, gender-responsive governance, and sustainable development.

The delegation comprises 12 members of the National Legislature, 9 Members of the House of Representatives and 3 Senators, together with 3 Secretariat staff and a staff member from UN Women Liberia. The delegation includes both women and men legislators and will be hosted by UN Women India.

The mission marks the first South-South exchange under the IBSA Fund project. During the visit, the delegation will meet Indian Members of Parliament, government ministries, parliamentary institutions, civil society organisations, research institutions, and women's groups to exchange experience on approaches that have strengthened women's participation in governance and decision-making.

The programme covers women's political participation, gender-responsive budgeting, prevention of and response to violence against women, the care economy, women's economic empowerment, and strengthening women's legislative leadership.

The delegation will also visit India's One Stop Centre (Sakhi) model for survivors of gender-based violence, women's Self-Help Groups under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, childcare initiatives under the Palna Scheme, and women's entrepreneurship programmes.

"This mission presents a significant opportunity for the Women's Legislative Caucus to draw on India's extensive experience in advancing gender equality through legislation, public policy, and institutional reform. The knowledge and practical lessons we gain will directly inform our ongoing work on women's political participation, gender-responsive budgeting, legislative oversight, responses to gender-based violence, and economic opportunities for women and girls across Liberia."

Hon. Ellen A. Attoh-Wreh, Representative, District, 3, Margibi County, Chair, Women's Legislative Caucus of Liberia

" The Liberia-India Legislative Exchange is a testament to the growing power of South-South cooperation. India has built decades of experiences in advancing women's political participation, from constitutional reservations in local government to community-level economic empowerment models that have transformed the lives of millions of women. By bringing Liberian legislators into direct conversations with their Indian counterparts, we are facilitating knowledge informed dialogues and experience sharing to promote sustainable change. The IBSA Fund has made this cross-regional knowledge exchange possible, and we are confident that what the lessons learnt in India will shape a gender responsive legislative agenda and advocacy for years to come in Liberia. UN Women Liberia is proud to be part of this critical journey.”

 Dr. A. H. Monjurul Kabir, Representative, District, 3, Margibi County, UN Women Representative, Liberia

Women hold 11 of the 103 seats in Liberia's National Legislature,  less than 11 per cent. Advocacy to increasing representation is part of the WLCL's Strategic Plan (2026–2029), including advocacy for a mandatory gender quota ahead of the 2029 elections. Beyond representation, the Caucus works on issues including child rights, education, and economic opportunities for women and girls. Its members,  women and men,  see gender equality as central to good governance. The participation of both in this mission reflects that shared commitment.

The Women's Legislative Caucus of Liberia is committed to policies and legislation that advance gender equality, strengthen democratic governance, and expand opportunities for women and girls in Liberia.

ABOUT THE IBSA FUND The India–Brazil–South Africa Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation (IBSA Fund) is a South-South cooperation mechanism established by India, Brazil, and South Africa to support development projects addressing poverty and hunger in developing countries. The Fund is managed by UNOSSC and implemented through UN Women Liberia and the WLCL.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.

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The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services conducted an oversight visit to the Brandvlei Correctional Centre yesterday, where it received a briefing from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on its plans to restore and upgrade the telephone communication systems in all correctional facilities to allow inmates to keep in contact with their families.

The DCS told the committee that it currently relies on legacy fixed-line telephone services across all facilities, including its head office, six regional offices, 46 management areas, 243 correctional centres and 218 community corrections offices.

The department also told the committee that Telkom's phasing out of copper infrastructure has resulted to a decline in the availability of service, leading to more frequent outages. This has placed several facilities at risk of losing telephone services entirely and impacts on the inmates, who are unable to stay in touch with their families.

The committee heard that of the 2 050 inmate telephones installed across correctional facilities, only 388 (18.9%) are operational, while 1 662 (81.1%) are non-functional, highlighting a significant service availability gap that requires urgent intervention. To address these challenges, the DCS said it will be advertising a bid to appoint a service provider to provide an inmate communication system.

During engagement, the committee welcomed the briefings it received and commended the department and the Brandvlei Correctional Centre management for, among other things, the cleanliness of the centre, no escapes, nor unnatural deaths, and for meaningful improvements in full-time education in the centre and the bakery.

The committee told the department that inmates have a constitutional right to telephone communication with their families. The department must provide a strong and reliable telephone communication system for them to do so, while a longer-term arrangement is sought.

The committee highlighted various other problems it noted during its walkabout of the centre. These included staff shortages, overcrowding, smuggling of contraband, health and safety concerns, security risk affecting both inmates and officials, and non-functioning equipment at the kitchen.

Juvenile inmates complained about the failure to provide them with shoes and jerseys. The correctional centre management told the committee of plans to provide uniforms for inmates and committed to providing the items of clothing that are needed, including shoes and the jerseys. On the challenge of water shortages in the facility, the centre management said the Department of Water and Sanitation is currently addressing this challenges.

The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng, expressed the committee's appreciation to the DCS and the Brandvlei Correctional Centre management for the general good state of the centre, after the committee visited the centre at short notice. The committee also commended the centre for initiatives aimed at promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability.

After hearing reports that the centre management had discouraged inmates from communicating their grievances to the committee, Ms Ramolobeng reminded management that inmates are allowed to express their views on their frustrations. “Refrain from intimidating inmates against exercising their right to express themselves to the committee. They must be let free to enjoy their constitutional rights. What you must do is to keep them busy,” said Ms Ramolobeng. She said the committee will return for further engagement with the department on the committee's recommendations for the Western Cape

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.