About the Programme

The Next-Gen Exporter Incubation Programme is a 12-month export development initiative of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) supporting youth-owned businesses to become globally competitive exporters.

The EDHE Stream of the programme is launched under a strategic partnership between the dtic and Universities South Africa (USAf) through the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme, this initiative equips South Africa’s most promising young entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and support to export their products and services successfully. The programme aligns with the goals of dtic for Prioritising Inclusive Growth as well as the Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote youth-driven economic growth across Africa.

👥 Who Should Apply?

Are you:

✅ Graduates running owned businesses (recommended to be EDHE alumnus, but not compulsory)

✅ A youth-led, registered business (operating >12 months)

✅ Earning annual revenue of R500,000+

✅ Offering a product/service with export potential

✅ Ready to access new markets and scale globally, and represent South africa globally?

 

Then this programme is designed for you!

 

🚀 Why Should You Apply?

Being part of the Next-Gen Exporter Incubation Programme means:

✅ Accelerated Growth
Gain expert guidance, resources, and exposure to take your business global.

✅ Skills Development
Learn from industry specialists on compliance, export logistics, digital tools, and market access.

✅ Export Readiness Tools
Access assessments, coaching, and practical export strategy development.

✅ Real Market Exposure
Participate in a trade mission to connect with potential buyers and partners in targeted African countries.

✅ Ongoing Support
Receive mentorship, technical advice, and access to incentives and financing pathways.

✅ Recognition & Access
Join a national cohort of export-ready youth enterprises with links to broader dtic export support platforms.

🎓 What You’ll Gain

✅ Tailored export training
 ✅ Tools for navigating different markets with AfCFTA as focus
 ✅ Mentorship from export professionals and technical experts
 ✅ Exposure to international markets through trade missions
 ✅ Guidance on compliance, certification & product adaptation
 ✅ Digital trade skills, e-commerce insights, and export marketing strategy
 ✅ Networks and access to national export platforms

 

Programme Structure

🔵 Self-Learning Modules: Learn at your own pace using top-tier export training platforms.
🔵 Peer-Learning Bootcamps: Share knowledge, network, and grow with your cohort.
🔵 Experiential Exposure: Explore new markets, meet buyers, and gain global insights.

🛠️ Programme Phases

Phase 1: Launch & Selection
Applications open for high-potential youth-owned businesses.

Phase 2: Onboarding
Bootcamp, diagnostic assessments, and orientation to export development.

Phase 3: Capacity Building
Export training, AfCFTA certification, coaching on compliance, e-commerce, and strategy.

Phase 4: Market Entry
Mentorship, product adaptation, exploratory mission to Africa’s key markets.

Phase 5: Graduation & Promotion
Recognition Awards, success stories shared, and transition into national export support platforms

Priority Sectors

🌿 Agro-processing
🧪 Chemicals & Cosmetics
👗 Clothing, Textiles, Leather & Footwear (CTLF)
🛠️ Steel & Aluminium
🚗 Automotive
💻 Digital & Green Economy
💊 Pharmaceuticals
📞 Global Business Services (GBS)
🔋 Critical Minerals
✈️ Aerospace & Defence
🌱 Cannabis & Hemp
🧊 White Goods