Overview:
The "Growing Beyond Borders" Entrepreneurial Training Programme, launched in 2024, aims to bridge the gap between SMEs and export markets.
Absa Uganda and DHL Uganda have partnered to empower over 200 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Jinja to boost their export trade capabilities. The “Growing Beyond Borders” Entrepreneurial Training Programme, launched in 2024, aims to bridge the gap between SMEs and export markets.
According to Steven Kateihwaho, Commercial Director at DHL Uganda, SMEs often focus on domestic markets, neglecting lucrative opportunities for international trade due to lack of information and limited abilities to invest in market research and logistics.
Musa Jallow, Retail and Business Banking Director at Absa Bank Uganda, emphasized the need for partnerships and collaboration to drive economic growth and provide entrepreneurs with essential business development services.
The program offers a free workshop model that explores importing and exporting in new markets, market research, logistics, compliance, and marketing. It also provides guidance on finding geographical opportunities, identifying marketing avenues, and building long-term relationships with target customers.
Steven Kateihwaho highlighted the potential of cross-border e-commerce, which enables small businesses to access global markets using digital tools. Through this program, SMEs will receive support to develop export products and establish linkages to global businesses.