DHL Express and Absa Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Sub-Saharan Africa to expand into cross-border trade and drive sustainable growth.
The partnership, signed in Johannesburg, will be implemented under DHL’s GoTrade initiative, a programme designed to help SMEs overcome barriers to international trade and participate more effectively in global markets.
Through the collaboration, the two institutions will combine logistics, financial and digital capabilities to equip African entrepreneurs with tools, training and services to facilitate e-commerce and cross-border business.
DHL said the GoTrade initiative focuses on addressing key challenges facing SMEs, including limited logistics knowledge, financing constraints, regulatory complexity and low digital readiness.
Under the arrangement, SMEs will benefit from tailored training programmes, access to curated banking and logistics solutions, and support to adopt sustainable supply chain practices.
“Our main goal is to ensure we provide African SMEs with the tools they need to access and participate in the global marketplace,” said Hennie Heymans, chief executive officer of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.
“By combining logistics expertise with financial and digital solutions, we are helping entrepreneurs move beyond local markets and build resilient, future-ready businesses,” he added.
As part of the partnership, DHL will provide facilitators and trade experts to deliver training to SMEs within Absa’s network, using its “Trade and Grow Beyond Borders” curriculum.
The training programme comprises 14 modules designed to support businesses at different stages of growth, with a focus on improving their ability to trade across borders.
Absa said the initiative aligns with its broader strategy of supporting enterprise development and inclusive growth across the continent.
“SMEs are the engine of inclusive growth in Africa, creating jobs, strengthening communities and expanding the continent’s participation in global trade,” said Faisal Mkhize, managing executive for business development in Absa’s business banking division.
“Through this collaboration, we are giving our customers practical access to trade knowledge, e-commerce capabilities and sustainable solutions they need to grow beyond borders,” he added.
The agreement also provides a framework for continued collaboration between the two organisations, including the development of new technologies, process improvements and innovations aimed at strengthening SME support across Africa.
