DHL, Absa target Africa’s cross-border trade

DHL Express and Absa Group are expanding support for African SMEs looking to trade across borders, with the partnership potentially strengthening trade links between African markets and the Middle East. The two companies have signed an MoU to expand DHL’s GoTrade programme across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The programme will provide SMEs with training, trade tools and access to logistics and financial services covering cross-border trade, e-commerce and business development. DHL will provide logistics expertise, while Absa will contribute banking and financial services.

Zuko Godlimpi, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition said the partnership would help SMMEs address constraints to regional growth. “This partnership brings together the finance, logistics, market knowledge and public support that SMMEs need to trade beyond our borders.

The initiative aims to address barriers that can prevent smaller businesses from entering international markets, including limited knowledge of export processes, access to finance, regulatory requirements and digital readiness.

For businesses looking to trade with the Middle East, better access to logistics and financial services could make it easier to understand export requirements, move goods across borders and reach customers in new markets. It could also support stronger trade flows between African and Middle Eastern markets.

Around 1,600 SMEs have received training in Uganda, while businesses in Kenya, Botswana and Zambia have also benefited. Mozambique and Tanzania are next for the rollout. The partnership comes as SMEs seek greater access to regional and international markets.