The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), in partnership with the International Trade Institute of Southern Africa (ITISA), has launched a free Online Export Course aimed at equipping businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in international markets.
The initiative forms part of the Western Cape Government's Growth for Jobs Strategy, which seeks to drive economic growth, expand market access, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
The department said the self-paced course has already attracted strong interest from businesses across the province, with 518 participants registering since its launch.
To date, more than 70 participants have successfully completed the course, with many going on to access additional export support initiatives offered by the provincial government.
Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, said export growth is one of the most effective ways to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
"Through this free Online Export Course, we are equipping entrepreneurs and businesses with the practical skills they need to access new markets, grow their customer base, and contribute to the Western Cape's export-led growth agenda," Meyer said.
Supporting export-ready businesses
The department said the course is already helping entrepreneurs and export professionals strengthen their capacity to participate in international trade.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Imbali Nature's Crown, an emerging agro-processing business, Alicia Somdaka, said the programme provided valuable insights into export compliance and international trade requirements.
She said the training enhanced her understanding of export documentation, tariff classification and accessing international markets.
“Following the course, I registered a business domain and dedicated company email, redesigned my product labels to meet export requirements, and I’m currently preparing my business for export opportunities in Europe and the Middle East,” Somdaka said.
She added that the programme provided a practical roadmap that she continues to use as she builds an export-ready business.
Another participant, Sandiswa Masimini, described the course as an enriching learning experience that provided a comprehensive understanding of export operations, including documentation, compliance, logistics, customs procedures and international trade requirements.
Masimini said the programme had boosted her confidence in managing export processes, improved her efficiency, and strengthened her contribution to her organisation's export activities.
"I would highly recommend the course to anyone seeking to build or advance a career in exports and international trade,” Masimini said.
Practical export training
According to the department, the course combines practical tools, expert guidance, and real-world case studies to help businesses develop effective export strategies and navigate the complexities of international trade.
The programme caters to both emerging and experienced exporters and offers flexible, self-paced learning through videos, downloadable resources and assessments.
Its nine modules cover key aspects of the export journey, including export readiness, international marketing, global trade, transport and logistics, cargo insurance, Incoterms® 2020, export administration, financial risk management, customs procedures, product classification, and compliance requirements.
The course is aimed at entrepreneurs and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) looking to enter international markets, business development professionals, trade facilitators, and export managers seeking to strengthen their export strategies and operational capabilities.
Entrepreneurs, business owners and export managers can access the free Online Export Course through the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism's website at https://www.westerncape.gov.za/edat/online-export-course
For more information, interested participants can contact the department at Khanya.Gcolotela@westerncape.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
