The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) has launched a Next-Gen Exporter Incubation Programme to equip young entrepreneurs with exporting skills, as well as the resources and support they require to become successful first-time exporters.

Speaking at the virtual launch on May 21, dtic acting exports deputy director-general Willem van der Spuy described the programme as a high-impact, 12-month intervention targeting youth-led enterprises with demonstrated export potential and supporting them through a structured development journey.

The programme builds on an agreement signed between dtic and Universities of South Africa to advance the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme, which involves fostering entrepreneurship among student and youth-owned businesses.

“The programme is specifically tailored for the alumni of the EDHE programme. At its core, the export programme will help cultivate an export culture among student- and youth-owned businesses, enabling them to seize opportunities in global markets and contribute to inclusive economic growth,” Van der Spuy explained.

He added that the Next-Gen Exporter Incubation Programme represents a bold step forward in realising the dtic’s vision of building a pipeline of globally competitive, youth-led enterprises. 

Participants will gain access to expert mentorship and technical advisory; training on export readiness and compliance; support in meeting international standards and certification requirements; and tools to develop market entry and export marketing strategies.

The programme will also afford the emerging exporters an opportunity to benefit from strategic trade frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, as well as with the Southern African Development Community and the EU.

Special emphasis will be placed on digital trade and digital platform solutions to expand global reach.

dtic export development director Kwanele Mkhwanazi, who is also responsible for the delivery of the incubation programme, encouraged youth-owned business owners to apply for the first intake of the programme before May 31 by emailing learnexport@thedtic.gov.za.