Linda Bird, a seasoned expert in international trade, provides three comprehensive modules:
- Incoterms & Contracts of International Trade: Participants will gain a deep understanding of the international commercial terms (Incoterms) and the intricacies of drafting effective contracts, ensuring a solid foundation for global transactions.
- Trade Agreements & Rules of Origin (SADC, EU, & EFTA): Linda will delve into the intricacies of regional trade agreements, focusing on the Southern African Development Community (SADC), European Union (EU), and European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Understanding rules of origin is crucial for leveraging trade benefits.
- Transport and Insurance & International Methods of Payment: This module will cover logistics, transportation, and risk mitigation through insurance. Participants will also explore various international payment methods, ensuring secure and efficient financial transactions.
MoonLit, an international Speech & Drama Academy, run by Malaika Evans and Zeno Jacobs, are experts in communication and public speaking. MoonLit conducts sessions focusing on enhancing participants’ business presentation and pitching skills in the following ways:
- Pitching Your Business for Investment: Participants will be guided on how to craft compelling business pitches, effectively communicating their value proposition to potential partners, clients, and investors.
- Public Speaking & Presentation for Global Impact: MoonLit will guide participants on mastering the art of public speaking, a crucial skill for building credibility and influence in the international business arena.
- Confidence and Clarity Soft Skills: MoonLit shares somatic techniques to facilitate a confident demeanour, while equipping participants with the correct vocal techniques for clarity and ease.
Mark Taylor will provide valuable insights into the impact of the 4IR on international trade, preparing participants for the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements.
Isaac Nkama shares his expertise on navigating the diverse and dynamic African business landscape, providing essential insights for those looking to expand their operations on the continent.
‘Positively Understanding Africa’s Business Environment And How To Navigate It’
Many negative connotations are sometimes attached to doing business in Africa. There are many misunderstood and misinterpreted aspects of the business culture on the continent.
This course begins with an interesting overview of Africa’s socio-economic dynamics, its growth sectors and how the brain drain is being turned around into a brain gain. It highlights the most common perception of South African corporations about the Rest of Africa but also how South African corporations are perceived by the rest of Africa. This knowledge is important because it is central to how to navigate the environment.
It draws on the key cultural distinctions and how to positively understand and appreciate them. Once the perceived risks of doing business on the continent are properly contextualised, many will realise that the African continent can be a worthy and very profitable place to conduct business in.
Most of those who fail do not fail because of the environment but because of not properly understanding it.
Chiboni Evans, CEO of the SAEEC, presents sessions that cover financial and non-financial support available to Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). This includes benefits related to local content and designation in the Energy, Rail, and Steel sectors, as well as, maximising participation at exhibitions and during trade missions, ensuring participants can leverage these opportunities for business growth.
Overall, these workshops provide essential information and resources to empower SMMEs in navigating global trade and accessing opportunities. These sessions cover various topics such as:
- Utilising support from governmental institutions like the Department of Trade and Industry (the dtic), understanding funding options, and accessing export-focused product offerings.
- Maximising participation at exhibitions, emphasising the importance of promoting products and services effectively to attract customers and gain market intelligence.
- The dynamics of doing business in Africa, featuring presentations from entities such as Trade Invest Africa, Facilitation Africa, and International Trade and Economic Development (ITED). These presentations explore opportunities, challenges, and initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
- The benefits for SMMEs in local content and designation policies, particularly focusing on opportunities within projects like the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) Programme. This module aims to equip emerging exporters with knowledge to engage in supply partnerships or secure maintenance contracts within these projects.