Small businesses in Gauteng and the Western Cape will be able to participate in Standard Bank’s Export Readiness Programme for the first time following its expansion beyond KwaZulu-Natal.
The programme, which was offered exclusively to KwaZulu-Natal businesses last year, provides training and support to SMEs that are already exporting or preparing to enter international markets.
DHL Express South Africa has joined the initiative as its technical export readiness partner, providing expertise on international logistics, customs requirements and cross-border trade.
Delivered through Standard Bank’s Enterprise and Supplier Development offering, the programme covers export readiness, international trade processes, logistics, compliance requirements, market research, market entry strategies and export finance.
Businesses needed practical support and expertise to compete in international markets, said Naledzani Mosomane, Standard Bank South Africa head of Enterprise and Supplier Development for Business and Commercial Banking.
“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.”
The expansion comes as South Africa recorded a preliminary cumulative trade surplus of R89.3 billion during the first four months of 2026, compared with R39.8bn during the same period last year, according to the South African Revenue Service.
DHL Express South Africa MD, Herman Venter, said navigating international trade remained challenging for smaller businesses.
“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.”
The programme is open to qualifying SMEs in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, regardless of where they bank.
The businesses must be at least 51% black-owned, have an annual turnover of between R1m and less than R50m and have been operating for at least 24 months. The majority shareholder must be a South African citizen who is actively involved in the business full-time.
Applications close on July 10.
