Rishaad Webster, Provincial Head of Business Banking (KZN) at Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking

As Africa’s trade ecosystem evolves amid mounting economic pressures, platforms that foster meaningful connections between businesses, financiers and policymakers are becoming vital to unlocking inclusive growth.

Engage Trade Africa 2025, taking place in Durban from the 27^th to the 30^th of October 2025 in KwaZulu-Natal, provides one such platform, convening leaders across the continent to advance dialogue around market access industrialization and sustainable trade.

“KwaZulu-Natal is one of South Africa’s most dynamic economic hubs, anchored by the Durban harbour, which serves as a critical gateway for trade and tourism. Our involvement in Engage Trade Africa is about impact and not just visibility, demonstrating how we help businesses start, manage, and grow their enterprises by unlocking working capital, enabling market access and building resilience in the face of global trade pressures,” says Rishaad Webster, Provincial Head of Business Banking (KZN) at Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking.

From currency volatility, infrastructure constraints and a complex regulatory environment, South African businesses continue to navigate a complex operating landscape. According to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), South Africa recorded a preliminary trade surplus of R4.0 billion in August 2025, with exports totalling R171.3 billion and imports at R167.4 billion. While this reflects resilience in the face of global headwinds, underlying pressures remain.

Delayed payments referred to as the “Trade Credit Squeeze” are affecting up to 30% of trade credit-based sales, disproportionately impacting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which represent 90% of South African businesses. These realities reinforce the importance of strategic platforms such as Engage Trade Africa, which aim to connect enterprises to practical solutions, informed dialogue, and financial tools that enable sustainable growth.

“At Standard Bank, our efforts focus on collaboration as the foundation of Africa’s next phase of trade-led growth. Through initiatives such as Standard Bank Africa China Trade Solutions (ACTS), which we developed in partnership with The Industrial and Commercial Bank Of China (ICBC), we are journeying with African businesses to access new markets, strengthen liquidity and navigate cross-border complexity with confidence. Amid these challenges, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a transformative opportunity,” says Sithembile Dlamini, Head for Africa China Banking at Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking.

“With intra-African exports projected to grow by 81%, the continent is on the tip of a trade recovery. Businesses need solutions that translate these opportunities into measurable outcomes by bridging access to finance, trade intelligence and strategic partnerships that enable sustainable expansion. Our focus is on empowering African businesses to trade competitively, both within the continent and across global markets. We are partnering with clients to navigate international markets, improve liquidity and connect directly with credible buyers. This is one example of how we help turn Africa's potential into tangible opportunity,” adds Dlamini.

Standard Bank supports businesses across multiple sectors and corridors, including those importing from key international markets. These services range from supplier verification and inspections to logistics coordination and advisory support. For example, a recent success story is NRS Solutions, which imported machinery through Standard Bank’s trade facilitation ecosystems.

Digital platforms are reshaping trade relationships. Through Standard Bank’s integration with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China’s (ICBC) business matchmaker platform, local businesses can connect with global buyers and sellers, accessing free listings, continuous product visibility and more than 10 million potential corporate partners. As trade becomes increasingly digital, African businesses have to be adequately equipped to participate and compete by combining financial solutions with digital infrastructure as well as strategic partnerships that level the playing field for African enterprises.

As South African and African enterprises at large pursue international growth, the emphasis remains on transparent, strategic and digitally enabled support that ensures that they are not just surviving but thriving in a competitive global landscape.