ITC, DHL deepen support for SMEs in global trade
A renewed partnership aims to help SMEs, particularly women-led businesses, overcome logistics and trade barriers while expanding their access to international markets.
(L-R): Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Hennie Heymans
The International Trade Centre (ITC) and DHL have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen their long-standing collaboration in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to expand their cross-border trade.
The partnership will place a particular focus on women-led businesses, with the two organisations working to improve SMEs’ access to international markets and support their participation in global trade.
The agreement brings together ITC’s expertise in market intelligence, SME development and inclusive trade with DHL’s global logistics network and technical capabilities. SMEs represent around 90% of businesses worldwide, account for approximately 70% of employment and contribute about 70% of global GDP, underscoring their role in economic growth and job creation. However, many SMEs still face challenges in accessing international markets. The partnership seeks to strengthen support for these businesses, helping them overcome trade barriers and connect with new opportunities in global markets.
Under the agreement, ITC and DHL will support small businesses in navigating cross-border trade, including exports, supply chains and logistics. The partnership will also work with business support organisations and ITC SheTrades Hubs to strengthen services for SMEs and women-led businesses. In addition, the two organisations will advocate for small businesses and women entrepreneurs through global discussions, high-level events, private-sector networks and government agencies.
Over the past decade, ITC and DHL have collaborated through initiatives such as DHL GoTrade, ITC SheTrades and ITC ecomConnect, supporting small businesses across more than 60 countries in Africa, ASEAN, Latin America and the Caribbean. The partnership has combined training and tailored assistance, including shipping support for SMEs and women-led businesses, while also promoting their interests through advocacy and high-level global trade discussions. In July 2025, DHL further supported these efforts by participating as a private-sector champion at ITC’s inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.
ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton said, “For small businesses, the main challenge is not in creating quality products for customers, but getting it to them. That's why we're deepening our work with DHL to help more small businesses, particularly women-led businesses, to overcome last-mile logistics barriers and reach new markets, and to ensure their perspectives are heard at decision-making tables.”
Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, said SMEs are a key driver of economies worldwide, but their participation in international trade remains relatively low. He noted that the main challenges often involve limited access to knowledge, finance, digital capabilities and logistics support rather than a lack of ambition. He added that partnerships such as this can help create stronger support ecosystems, enabling businesses to expand, reach new customers and benefit from opportunities in international trade.
