Logistics company DHL has announced the inaugural launch of the DHL Exporter of the Year Awards in Sub-Saharan Africa, aimed at recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region, while highlighting the crucial role they play in market growth, economic development, and the promotion of best practices within the international trade community.
According to a statement, the DHL Exporter of the Year Awards are based on the company’s broader commitment to SME growth through its GoTrade program, in which DHL leverages its global network and leadership to help entrepreneurs overcome barriers such as access to training, financing, logistics, and information and communication technologies.
Eligible companies must be formally registered in their country within Sub-Saharan Africa, have 25 or fewer full-time employees, have been actively trading goods and products across borders for at least 12 months, operate sustainably, and demonstrate compliance with international trade regulations.
“We know that SMEs are the backbone of societies and the driving force of sustainable economic growth. That’s why we are excited to launch these awards under the banner of our DHL GoTrade program, where we champion sustainable trade for businesses across all markets and industries,” said Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa.
He added: “We aim to use these awards as a platform to celebrate our SMEs, promote the incredible work they are doing, and use our voice to advocate for their sustainable participation in the global market.” The awards will be granted in three distinct categories:
- ESG Exporter of Excellence Award: Honors exporters that demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainable environmental practices, ethical governance, and social responsibility in their operations.
- Woman Exporter of the Year Award: Recognizes women exporters who show exceptional leadership, innovation, and success in expanding their businesses into global markets.
- Global Expansion Exporter Award: Celebrates excellence in international trade expansion and acknowledges SMEs that have recorded significant growth as a result of greater participation in global trade.
Winners will receive a cash prize of €4,000 per category. In addition, they will be recognized at a special ceremony at the DHL Innovation Center in Dubai, where they will have the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and gain business insights from the company’s global experts and partners.
“The Exporter of the Year Awards are our way of showcasing the important role SMEs play in international trade, because as SMEs grow, economies grow and people’s lives in societies improve. This is a clear reinforcement of DHL’s commitment to connecting people and improving lives,” said Hennie Heymans.
GoTrade is a specialized program in which DHL collaborates with various partners from both the public and private sectors to address common challenges faced by SMEs and to advocate for their sustainable trade participation on a global scale.
Source: Diário Económico
