October 30, 2025
DHL Express Africa has proudly launched the inaugural “Exporters of the Year Awards” across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a landmark initiative recognizing the outstanding achievements of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engaged in international trade. This awards program highlights the vital role SMEs play in driving economic development, expanding market growth, and promoting exemplary business practices in the global trading community.
Open exclusively to formally registered SMEs in the SSA region with 25 or fewer full-time employees, the awards celebrate businesses that have actively traded goods across borders for at least 12 months. To qualify, companies must operate sustainably, comply with international trade regulations, and maintain a digital presence symbolizing their engagement in the modern digital economy. Preference is given to those with at least 25% of their sales through e-commerce platforms, reflecting evolving trade trends.
The awards feature multiple key categories including the ESG Excellence Award, Woman Exporter Award, and Global Expansion Award, reflecting DHL’s commitment to diversity, sustainability, and growth among Africa’s entrepreneurs. The Woman Exporter Award specifically honors SMEs that are woman-owned or led, highlighting DHL’s dedication to empowering female entrepreneurs across the continent.
This initiative forms part of DHL’s broader GoTrade program, which supports SME growth through access to training, financing, logistics solutions, and information communication technology. By leveraging its extensive global network and leadership in logistics, DHL aims to dismantle barriers inhibiting African SMEs from flourishing on the world stage.
DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa CEO Hennie Heymans emphasizes, “SMEs are the backbone of societies and a driving force for sustainable economic growth. Through these awards, we aim to celebrate the impressive contributions of African exporters, promote their work, and advocate for their continued participation in the expanding global marketplace.”
The award launch coincides with DHL Group’s substantial investment commitment exceeding €300 million across Sub-Saharan Africa to enhance trade infrastructure, aviation capacity, last-mile delivery, and tailored industry solutions, notably in cold chain logistics for agriculture and horticulture exporters. These investments underscore DHL’s confidence in Africa’s trade resilience and its pivotal role in fostering inclusive economic growth.
While Sub-Saharan Africa’s trade volume continues to grow, initiatives like these awards help spotlight and accelerate the success of SMEs, catalyzing further export expansion and economic diversification on the continent. This first-ever DHL Exporters of the Year Awards program signals a new chapter in recognizing Africa’s entrepreneurial excellence, showcasing the continent’s growing influence in global trade and reinforcing DHL’s commitment to partnership and progress.
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