By Africa.com | Created at 2026-08-11 15:12:06 | Updated at 2026-08-11 16:14:45
1 hour ago
DHL Express, the world leader in international express shipping, and Absa Group, one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services providers, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under DHL’s GoTrade initiative to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Sub Saharan Africa to trade beyond borders and unlock sustainable growth.
DHL GoTrade is an initiative designed to stimulate cross-border trade by enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate more effectively in global markets. The programme leverages existing logistics networks, expertise and partnerships to address key barriers to trade, including limited access to logistics knowledge, financing constraints, regulatory complexity and digital readiness.
The collaboration brings together DHL Express’ global logistics expertise and Absa’s deep banking and digital capabilities to provide African entrepreneurs with practical tools, training, and access to services that enable cross-border trade, e-commerce, and inclusive economic development.
Additionally, DHL Express and Absa will work together to introduce curated banking and logistics solutions designed for SME’s trading across borders, which will also support formal traders and businesses adopting green logistics or sustainable supply chain practices.
“Our main goal is to ensure we provide our African SMEs with the tools they need to access and participate in the global marketplace. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to facilitate trade through SMEs,” said Hennie Heymans, CEO DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa. “By combining logistics expertise with financial and digital solutions, we are helping entrepreneurs move beyond local markets and build resilient, future-ready businesses.”
As part of this collaboration, DHL Express will make available facilitators and trade lane experts to deliver logistics and cross-border trade training to SMEs within Absa’s wide network. Training will be based on the “Trade and Grow Beyond Borders” curriculum, which comprises 14 interactive modules that are delivered specifically to support SMEs at various stages of their lifecycle.
“SMEs are the engine of inclusive growth in Africa, creating jobs, strengthening communities and expanding the continent’s participation in global trade,” said Faisal Mkhize, Managing Executive for Business Development, Business Banking Pan-Africa. “Through our collaboration with DHL Express, we are giving our customers practical access to the trade knowledge, e-commerce capabilities and sustainable solutions they need to grow beyond borders and compete with confidence.”
The agreement also creates a framework for ongoing collaboration, allowing both parties to identify opportunities for new technologies, process improvements and innovations that enhance SME support, improve efficiency and strengthen the overall impact of the partnership across Africa.
