The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) has partnered with business support organisation Tushiya Xchange to invest in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the meat import and export industries, highlighting the association’s recognition of the importance of investing in the future of entrepreneurship.

AMIE stakeholder engagement and transformation lead Surisa Nel confirmed during an AMIE Academy graduation event on June 19 that a fund would be created to support SMEs and unlock real economic participation.

The fund will comprise catalyst funding and provide other support measures such as market access, financial planning and business management.

Through the partnership with Tushiya, the AMIE aims to foster collaboration with industry partners and provide continuous opportunities for businesses to create endearing value in communities.

The initiative will follow Tushiya’s model of diagnostics of individuals and businesses to determine gaps to achieving their goals and providing support accordingly.

The AMIE’s activities through the partnership and the fund will also serve as an additional income stream for the organisation, given that it is currently dependent on statutory levies as its only source of income.

Nel explained that the fund proceeds would come from member organisations of the AMIE who need enterprise supply development expertise and documentation.

“They will tick their governance boxes while creating lasting positive impact in the industry and communities. The entrepreneur support through the initiative will also be available for candidates investing in their own development.”

Additionally, the AMIE has made publicly available its education programmes, including a blended learning online class and a one-to-one coaching programme.

The contents of the AMIE’s full immersion programme, for example, includes an overview of the meat industry, licence and regulatory requirements, understanding the stakeholder landscape, processing, supply chain dynamics and compliance required for exports.

Meanwhile, the graduation event recognised the five participants that have completed the AMIE’s inaugural academy programme. Owing to the success of the pilot programme and first cohort of candidates, a second cohort of 15 candidates have already started with the course.

AMIE chairperson Seymor Talpert said the organisation is preparing to take in a third cohort of candidates for the academy programme in July. 

The courses comprise theory and relevant information that any aspiring entrepreneur in the meat import and export industries should know.

Through the academy, which was launched in 2023, the AMIE aims to develop SMEs who can actively and successfully operate in the international meat and poultry trading industry, either as traders or as adjacent service providers within the value chain.

The 12-month development programme covers business skills, insights into local and global trade regulation and policies and site visits to key value chain links such as production plants. The participants are also exposed to networking opportunities with some of AMIE’s member organisations.

One of the graduates confirmed during the event how the AMIE academy had helped their company gain deep insights and information that was not readily available, benefit from mentorship and guidance, understand the shopfloor experience and improve effectiveness in managing their business operations.