Pretoria: The Next-Gen Exporter Incubation Programme, designed to equip young entrepreneurs with essential exporting skills and resources, has been launched by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (dtic). The initiative aims to support young entrepreneurs in becoming successful first-time exporters.

According to South African Government News Agency, the dtic’s Acting Deputy Director-General of Exports, Willem van der Spuy, described the programme during its virtual launch. It is a 12-month intervention targeting youth-led enterprises with export potential. Specifically tailored for alumni of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme, it aims to foster an export culture among student and youth-owned businesses, enabling their participation in global markets and contributing to economic growth.

The dtic and Universities South Africa (USAf) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the EDHE programme to enhance collaboration in promoting entrepreneurship and export development among student and youth-led businesses. Van der Spuy emphasized that the incubation programme is a significant step towards building globally competitive, youth-led enterprises.

Participants will receive expert mentorship, technical advice, and training on export readiness and compliance. The programme also provides support in meeting international standards and certification requirements, and offers tools to develop market entry and export marketing strategies. Emerging exporters will benefit from strategic trade frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The programme places a special emphasis on digital trade and digital platform solutions to expand global reach. Kwanele Mkhwanazi, Director of Export Development and Support at the dtic, encouraged youth-owned business owners to apply for the programme’s first intake. Applications for the 2025/26 cohort are open and will close on 31 May 2025. Enquiries can be directed to learnexport@thedtic.gov.za.