DHL, Absa Join Forces To Help African SMEs Expand Across Borders

By Mintesinot Nigussie  |  September 3, 2026

DHL Express and Absa Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand the logistics company’s GoTrade programme across key markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, targeting some of the financial, logistical and knowledge barriers that constrain small businesses from trading beyond their domestic markets.

The partnership combines DHL’s logistics and international shipping capabilities with Absa’s banking, digital and financial services to provide small and medium-sized enterprises with training, trade tools and access to services aimed at supporting cross-border commerce and e-commerce.

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi said the partnership could help smaller businesses access the finance, logistics and market knowledge needed to enter African markets.

“This partnership brings together the finance, logistics, market knowledge and public support that SMMEs need to trade beyond our borders,” Godlimpi said. “By building the capacity of South African enterprises to enter African markets, we are not only growing individual businesses — we are strengthening intra-African trade, creating jobs and using the African market to power South Africa’s economic growth.”

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.

The GoTrade programme is already operating in several African markets. About 1,600 SMEs have been trained in Uganda, one of the earliest markets to implement the programme, while businesses in Kenya, Botswana and Zambia have also participated.

Mozambique and Tanzania are next in line for the rollout.

Heymans said many African entrepreneurs still face practical obstacles when attempting to access international markets, despite having products and business ideas with growth potential.

“By partnering with Absa Group, we are creating a powerful ecosystem that combines logistics excellence with financial expertise, ensuring that SMEs across the continent can grow sustainably,” he said.

The programme is designed to support businesses with issues ranging from first-time exporting and access to financial services to e-commerce and reaching international customers.

For Absa, the partnership extends its focus on providing financial and trade solutions to businesses seeking to expand beyond their home markets.

“SMEs are at the heart of Africa’s economic future. They create jobs and strengthen communities,” Mkhize said. “Our partnership with DHL Express is about giving business owners practical support and access to trade solutions that can help them move beyond their local markets and realise their growth ambitions.”

The agreement comes as African governments and businesses seek to increase intra-African trade, with smaller companies expected to play a central role in expanding regional supply chains and taking advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

DHL and Absa said they aim to equip more SMEs with the knowledge, networks and services needed to compete in international markets and build sustainable businesses.

Source: FSX Business News