Cross-border e-commerce is creating new pathways for South Africa’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to compete globally. This was the key message from Mr. Kwanele Mkhwanazi, Director of Export Development and Support at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), during a panel discussion at the 7th Annual EDHE Studentpreneurs Indaba, hosted by UNISA under the theme “Entrepreneurship for Sustainability.”
The session brought together industry leaders, academics, and students to explore opportunities and challenges in global e-commerce — from logistics and payments to trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The dtic’s collaboration with Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) aims to foster an export culture among youth and student-owned enterprises through initiatives such as the Next-Gen Exporter Incubation Programme. This programme focuses on preparing young entrepreneurs to access international markets via digital trade.
According to Mr. Likani Lebani, Director of Market and Trend Analysis at the dtic, digital technologies allow even the smallest businesses to become “mini-multinationals,” though success requires navigating complex international regulations.
Mr. Alastair Tempest, CEO of the Ecommerce Forum South Africa (EFSA), emphasized that collaboration between government and industry is essential to build a thriving e-commerce ecosystem and strengthen South Africa’s digital economy.
The discussion reaffirmed the dtic’s commitment to harnessing digital trade as a driver of inclusive growth and global competitiveness for South African entrepreneurs.