DHL, a global leader in the logistics industry, in partnership with Absa Bank Uganda, has trained over 200 SMEs in Jinja. This is part of the 2024 'Growing Beyond Borders' Entrepreneurial Training Programme, designed to equip local businesses with the necessary skills and knowledge to access export markets.
The training program comes at a time when SMEs are dealing with the challenges of limited market reach and the difficulties of international trade. SMEs in Uganda and many other developing countries often focus predominantly on domestic markets, thereby missing out on better opportunities that international trade presents.
The reasons for this are various, including a lack of information, and limited abilities to invest in critical areas such as market research, logistics, compliance, and marketing.
Steven Kateihwaho, the Commercial Director of DHL Uganda, highlighted the significance of the program during the training's closing ceremony.
“SMEs tend to focus predominantly on domestic markets, neglecting better opportunities for international trade. This is often due to lack of information, and limited abilities to invest in market research, logistics, compliance, and marketing. These challenges limit SME growth and therefore this program will enable businesses to look into external markets for opportunities,” said Kateihwaho.
The 'Growing Beyond Borders' programme is designed to address these gaps. By providing comprehensive training on various aspects of international trade, the initiative aims to empower SMEs to overcome the barriers that have historically hindered their growth.
The training covers a broad spectrum of topics, including understanding export regulations, developing market entry strategies, and leveraging logistics and supply chain management to optimize operations.
Participants of the program have expressed optimism about the prospects that the training unlocks. Jane Akiteng, a participant and owner of a local agribusiness, shared her view on the impact of the training.
“Before this program, the thought of exporting our products seemed far-fetched. We lacked the know-how and the confidence to venture into international markets. The training has not only equipped us with the necessary skills but also given us the confidence to explore these new opportunities,” she said.
The collaboration between DHL and Absa Bank Uganda is a testament to the importance of partnerships in driving economic growth. Absa Bank’s role in the program emphasizes the bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs, which are the backbone of Uganda’s economy.
By providing financial insights and resources, Absa is playing a crucial role in ensuring that these businesses can sustain their growth and expand their reach.
Mumba Kalifungwa, Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda, pointed out the bank’s dedication to developing SME growth.
“SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy, and their success is integral to our nation’s economic development. Through our partnership with DHL, we are committed to providing the necessary support to enable these businesses to thrive in the global marketplace. This program is just one of the many initiatives we have in place to support SME growth,” he stated.
As the program concludes, the focus now shifts to implementation. The SMEs that participated in the training are expected to leverage the knowledge and skills gained to explore and penetrate international markets. The hope is that by doing so, they will not only grow their businesses but also contribute to the broader economic development of the region.
The success of the 'Growing Beyond Borders' programme in Jinja is likely to serve as a model for similar initiatives across Uganda and potentially in other regions. The ripple effect of such training programs can be great, leading to increased export activities, job creation, and overall economic growth.
The collaborative efforts of DHL and Absa Bank Uganda in training over 200 SMEs in Jinja have done well in empowering local businesses to look beyond domestic markets.
By addressing the challenges that have traditionally held SMEs back, the 'Growing Beyond Borders' programme is paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic economic future. As these businesses embark on their journey into international markets, the support and insights gained from this initiative will be instrumental in their success.
