South Africa and ITC sign agreement to boost SME exports

The International Trade Centre (ITC) and South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) have signed a memorandum of understanding to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in expanding into regional and international markets.

The cooperation framework, which extends through 2030, focuses on enhancing export readiness, providing training and advisory services, and increasing access to market intelligence. A key objective is to help businesses navigate opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and utilize digital tools like the Global Trade Helpdesk.

The partnership aims to promote inclusive, sustainable, and digitally connected trade-led growth. Specific emphasis will be placed on supporting township enterprises, rural producers, women-owned businesses, and young entrepreneurs to help them participate in global value chains and build productive manufacturing capacity.