Building on the success of last year’s Export Readiness Programme in KwaZulu-Natal, Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking is expanding the initiative to Gauteng and the Western Cape, with DHL Express South Africa joining as the programme’s technical export readiness partner. The expanded programme will support a new cohort of high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the practical skills, business capabilities and international trade expertise needed to grow beyond South Africa’s borders.
Delivered through Standard Bank’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) offering, the Export Readiness Programme is designed to help growth-minded SMEs that are either 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, the programme equips entrepreneurs with the confidence, knowledge and networks needed to compete successfully in international markets.
Naledzani Mosomane, Head of ESD for Business & Commercial Banking at Standard Bank South Africa, says the expansion reflects the bank’s commitment to helping more South African businesses realise their export potential.
“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.”
The programme combines business capability development with practical export readiness support, helping participating businesses strengthen their export capability, prepare for international growth and position themselves for success in new markets. Delivered in partnership with DHL Express South Africa, the programme provides expert-led guidance on export readiness, international trade processes, logistics, compliance requirements, market research, market entry strategies and export finance solutions.
For Herman Venter, Managing Director for DHL Express South Africa, the partnership with Standard Bank reflects a shared commitment to helping South African businesses access global opportunities.
“South African SMEs have the innovation and ambition to compete internationally, but navigating global trade can be challenging. This is why programs like the DHL GoTrade and Standard Bank’s Export Readiness 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.”
The programme is open to qualifying SMEs, regardless of where they bank, provided they:
- are 51% or more black-owned and have a valid B-BBEE affidavit or certificate;
- generate an annual turnover between R1 million and below R50 million;
- have been operating for at least 24 months;
- have a majority shareholder who is a South African citizen and actively involved full-time in the business;
- are based in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal or the Western Cape;
- are not currently participating in another Standard Bank ESD programme; and
- have access to an electronic device, reliable internet connectivity and basic computer literacy to participate in the programme.
Beyond preparing businesses to export, the programme is designed to strengthen operational capability, improve business competitiveness and connect SMEs with opportunities that can accelerate sustainable growth. By investing in export-ready enterprises, Standard Bank aims to help diversify South Africa’s export economy while supporting entrepreneurship, job creation and long-term economic development.
Applications close on 10 July 2026, and eligible SMEs can learn more about the programme and submit their applications by visiting Standard Bank Export Readiness Programme.
