Prime Highlights
- Western Cape has launched a free Online Export Course to help businesses enter international markets.
- More than 518 participants have enrolled, with over 70 already completing the programme.
Key Facts
- DEDAT is the Western Cape government department responsible for economic development and tourism.
- The nine-module course covers export strategy, logistics, customs, compliance and international trade operations.
Background
As part of their effort to assist firms in building up the necessary competencies for competing in the international market, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism of the Western Cape, in collaboration with the International Trade Institute of Southern Africa, has created the Export Online Course that is free of charge. This project aligns with the Growth for Jobs strategy of the Western Cape government that seeks to grow exports and employment.
Since its launch, the self-paced programme has attracted strong interest, with 518 participants registering for the course. More than 70 participants have completed the training, and many have gone on to receive additional export support from the Western Cape Government.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer said the programme is designed to equip entrepreneurs and businesses with practical knowledge to expand into global markets, grow their customer base and support the province’s export-led growth strategy.
The course has already helped several businesses improve their export readiness. Entrepreneur Alicia Somdaka said the training strengthened her understanding of export compliance, documentation, tariff classification and international market access. She has since upgraded her business branding and is preparing to expand into European and Middle Eastern markets.
Another participant, Sandiswa Masimini, said the programme improved her knowledge of export operations, logistics, customs procedures and compliance, enabling her to contribute more effectively to her organisation’s export activities.
The nine-module course covers export readiness, international marketing, transport services, cargo insurance, Incoterms 2020, customs procedures, financial risk management and product compliance. It is designed for entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, trade professionals and export managers seeking to strengthen their international trade capabilities and build sustainable export businesses.