Following the success of the 2025 Export Readiness Programme, in KwaZulu-Natal, financial services company Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking is expanding this initiative to Gauteng and the Western Cape, with multinational logistics company DHL Express South Africa joining as the programme’s technical export readiness partner.

The Export Readiness Programme is designed to help growth-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are already exporting or are export-ready and able to demonstrate growth potential.

By combining business development with practical export training, market-focused guidance and global logistics expertise, Standard Bank affirms that the programme will equip entrepreneurs with the confidence, knowledge and networks required to compete successfully in global markets.

“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.

“Through the expansion of the Export Readiness Programme and our partnership with DHL Express South Africa, we are equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks and confidence to pursue international growth while building stronger, more resilient businesses that contribute to inclusive economic growth,” says Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking enterprise and supplier development head Naledzani Mosomane.

From a DHL Express South Africa perspective, this programme provides expert-led guidance on export readiness, international trade processes, logistics, compliance requirements, market research, market entry strategies and export finance solutions.

“South African SMEs have the innovation and ambition to compete internationally, but navigating global trade can be challenging. This is why programmes like the DHL GoTrade and Standard Bank’s Export Readiness Programme are critical in empowering them with the necessary skills and information to trade globally.

“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,” DHL Express South Africa MD Herman Venter explains.

The programme is open to qualifying SMEs, regardless of where they bank, provided they are 51% or more black-owned and have a value broad-based black economic empowerment affidavit or certificate, generate a yearly turnover of between R1-million and R50-million, have been operating for at least 24 months and are based in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal or the Western Cape.

Other requirements stipulate that the applicants have a majority shareholder who is a South African citizen and actively involved in the business on a full-time basis, and they should have access to an electronic device, reliable Internet connectivity and basic computer literacy to participate in the programme.