National Exporter Development Programme (NEDP)

The purpose of the NEDP is to increase exports, particularly of those products and services that add value and contribute to employment and the green economy. The target group is small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs), both generally and drawn from the ranks of the previously disadvantaged, while still taking into account the needs of larger potential and established exporters.

The vision of the NEDP is to provide a well-resourced, efficient and effective exporter development programme that delivers appropriately skilled exporters and contributes to the number of active exporters and the real value of exports growing consistently over time.

The mission of the NEDP is to:

  • Develop a pool of export-ready companies;
  • Ensure that exports grow, and new markets and export products are developed;
  • Ensure effective resources are available for exporter development;
  • Provide leadership to the various stakeholders involved in exporting;
  • Facilitate collaboration between the various stakeholders from both the private and public sectors; and
  • Monitor and ensure continuous improvement.

Global Export Passport

The Global Exporters Passport Programme (GEPP) is run by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dtic) to provide training to small, medium and large enterprises that wish to expand their export opportunities. It is a key component of the National Exporter Development Programme (NEDP), which is a pillar of the Integrated National Export Strategy (INES). The programme aims to prepare companies to be export ready and sustainable in export markets. The GEPP is delivered in partnership with various stakeholders at national, provincial and local levels.

The training involves frequent export-readiness assessments of participants to ensure the provision of appropriate interventions. The actual training is done in four phases, which include both formal and informal workshops.

Phases Name of the Courses

  • Phase 1 Introduction to exporting
  • Phase 2 Planning for exports
  • Phase 3 Market entry
  • Phase 4 Global exporting

Export-Readiness Assessment

The Export-Readiness Assessment analyses the readiness of companies to explore and enter export markets. It assists the dtic in recommending and/or providing relevant interventions that will assist in growing the companies’ readiness.

The assessment is based on a questionnaire format covering five areas that comprise the following:

  • Company operational readiness
  • Product readiness
  • Marketing capability
  • Financial capability

Phase 1: Introduction to Exporting

The first phase of the GEPP provides foundation training for enterprises on issues, modalities and benefits of exporting. It is designed to teach enterprises basic export skills, export terminology, international trading environment, Incoterms principles, fundamentals of foreign market research and the concept of cultural barriers. The phase includes three registered SAQA unit standards (US 252429, US 252418, US 252437) that provide a total of 16 credits towards the National Certification: Export Administration (SAQA ID: 96401) qualification. The Introduction to Exporting training covers the following topics:

  • Complete export cycle
  • Differences between local and international trade
  • Mode of transport
  • Methods of payment
  • Foreign currencies and exchange controls
  • Export documentation
  • Freight cost elements
  • Duties and VAT
  • Customs procedure and declarations
  • Role players in the export value chain and their responsibilities (customs, clearing agents)
  • Tariff and non-tariff barriers
  • Trade regulations
  • Incoterms
  • Insurance methods and techniques

Intended outcome: Understanding export cycle, process and logistics

Phase 2: Planning for Exports

This phase focuses on market analysis and the development of a company’s export strategy and plan. It includes two registered SAQA unit standards (US 243218, US 243215) that provide a total of 12 credits towards the National Certification: Export Administration (SAQA ID: 96401) qualification.

The training covers the following topics:

  • Market research to gather data from external sources and within the company
  • Competitor analysis
  • An investigation of the existing import infrastructure of the target market country(ies)
  • Air, rail, harbour and road, distribution, banking, financial, e-commerce and communications networks
  • Product and/or service tests and demonstrations
  1. Development of strategies including: market entry strategy
  2. Product strategy
  3. Pricing strategy
  4. Promotion strategy distribution strategy
  5. Development and management of an export marketing plan

Intended outcome: Development of an export marketing plan

Phase 3: Market entry

This phase addresses market entry issues, targeting specific markets based on the export marketing plan developed in Phase 2. It also assists enterprises with the implementation of the marketing plan.

The training covers the following topics:

  • Doing business in a specific region
  • Market access issues
  • Customs and taxation
  • Product branding for a specific market
  • Market research
  • Export finance
  • Export marketing

Intended outcome: Understanding specific export markets

Phase 4: Global Exporting

This phase encompasses one-day workshops between the dtic, stakeholders and exporters on issues affecting exports and exporters. Relevant experts in the particular topic regarding export attend.

  • Areas of focus can include:
  • Current developments in international markets
  • Latest opportunities and threats affecting the export
  • market
  • Developments in Trade Protocols and Agreements

Outcome: Understanding of current export issues

the dtic wishes to advise prospective exporters that the Global Exporter Passport System (GEPS) will no longer be accessible to individual exporters to register themselves. Currently the system is being improved. Interested companies and exporters wishing to enrol for the Global Exporter Passport Programme are encouraged to apply by downloading this form.

Download the National Exporter Development Programme (NEDP) Publication

Contact details

the dtic

TISA – Export Development and Support

Tel: 012 394 1343

E-mail: SMagagula@thedti.gov.za

Ms Phina Mashilo Mr Tshepo Maroga
Tel: +27 (12) 394 1060 Tel: +27 (12) 394 5624
E-mail: PMashilo@thedti.gov.za E-mail: TMaroga@thedti.gov.za

For more information, please contact 0861 843 384 or e-mail geps@thedti.gov.za

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