DHL and Absa Group Forge Strategic Alliance to Scale SME Trade Across Sub-Saharan Africa

DHL and Absa Group have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand the GoTrade programme across Sub-Saharan Africa, formalising a strategic partnership that paves the way for the rollout of the initiative across key regional markets. By combining DHL’s logistics expertise with Absa Group’s extensive banking, digital and financial capabilities, the partnership will equip small and medium-sized enterprises with practical tools, training and access to services that support cross-border trade, e-commerce growth and sustainable business development.

The agreement was signed by Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, and Faisal Mkhize, Managing Executive for Business Development, Business Banking Pan-Africa at Absa Group. Hennie Heymans noted that many entrepreneurs face stumbling blocks when trading globally, and the collaboration builds a powerful ecosystem combining logistics excellence with financial expertise. Faisal Mkhize emphasized that small and medium-sized enterprises are at the heart of Africa's economic future, driving job creation and community resilience.

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi stated that the partnership addresses critical constraints to regional growth. The Deputy Minister highlighted that bringing together finance, logistics, market knowledge and public support builds the capacity of South African enterprises to enter African markets. This integration strengthens intra-African trade, creates jobs and leverages the wider African market to power South Africa’s economic growth.

Prior to this formal agreement, approximately 1,600 small and medium-sized enterprises were trained in Uganda, marking one of the earliest markets to implement the programme. Additional entrepreneurs have already benefitted from initiatives in Kenya, Botswana and Zambia, with Mozambique and Tanzania slated as the next markets in line for rollout as the programme broadens its footprint across the continent.

Why This Matters

Expanding the GoTrade programme addresses structural bottlenecks that traditionally limit smaller enterprises from participating in international commerce. By aligning logistics networks with formal banking channels, the initiative bridges the persistent gap between entrepreneurial ambition and operational execution. Access to structured trade finance and reliable supply chain infrastructure remains fundamental to scaling regional enterprises beyond local borders.

The collaboration reinforces intra-African trade objectives by harmonising the support systems required for cross-border expansion. When financial institutions and logistics providers synchronize their offerings, businesses gain a more predictable environment to navigate regulatory frameworks and currency requirements, thereby mitigating operational friction within emerging markets.

Opportunities

• Financial Institutions: Commercial lenders and fintech operators can design complementary trade finance products tailored to enterprises transitioning into regional and international export markets.
• Logistics Contractors: Regional transport providers and fulfillment operators can integrate their last-mile networks with broader international supply chains to capture rising e-commerce volumes.
• Enterprise Integrators: Digital platform developers and advisory services can build compliance and training tools to help emerging businesses navigate customs and digital storefront management.

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