CURRENT AFFAIRS
TRADING SMARTER BY HERMAN BEZUIDENHOUT, FOUNDER OF BEZTFOREX
WITH AI, SKILLED YOUTH, AND AMBITIOUS SMEs, SA HAS A REAL CHANCE TO COMPETE GLOBALLY AND UNLOCK GROWTH.
Global trade makes up about 60 % of South Africa’ s GDP. This can increase if we support entrepreneurs, young people, and technology, so they can compete confidently in global markets.
WE ARE ALL TRADERS
Whether we sell products, services, time, or ideas, we all participate in the exchange of value. Trade propels progress. From a farmer in Limpopo selling produce to a local market to a software developer in Durban working with a client in Silicon Valley, trade links us all.
To thrive, South Africa must revive its trading mindset. Exporting raw materials alone is no longer enough. Growth should come from valueadded exports that demonstrate South African ideas and skills. Countries like South Korea and Vietnam grew by supporting small businesses to move up the value chain. South Africa needs to develop skills and support systems that enable SMEs to compete globally.
AI AND GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS
AI is transforming global trade and investment. Previously, cross-border trade relied on slow, manual procedures. Now, AI analyses large datasets within seconds. It predicts demand, organises logistics, assesses risks, and ensures compliance with exchange-control regulations. For South African exporters, this offers a considerable opportunity. AI in trade finance, risk management, and compliance reduces delays and speeds up international transactions. The key lies in integrating AI with human judgement, industry expertise, and cultural understanding. This synergy will propel South Africa’ s next phase of global success.
LOOKING BEYOND BORDERS
E-commerce, digital services, and partnerships enable South Africans to reach global markets.
Expansion requires meticulous planning. It starts with comprehensive research, choosing suitable partners, and establishing resilient supply chains. Going global introduces new ideas, markets, and ongoing innovation. Governments, trade organisations, and private mentors all play crucial roles in helping South African firms grow from local success to a global presence.
YOUTH POWER
South Africa’ s most valuable resource is its young people. Many young South Africans still face limited access to skills and support, and this must change. The private sector plays a vital role in mentoring, training, and providing access to global work platforms.
With the right tools, a young entrepreneur in Tembisa or Butterworth can serve international clients from home.
A NEW PATH FORWARD
Trade, technology, and talent will shape South Africa’ s next phase. The G20 Summit signalled a nation ready to step forward.
SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS TO:
• Support SMEs and youth to compete globally
• Adopt AI and digital tools to improve trade systems
• Grow value-added export capacity
• Strengthen public and private partnerships
Intentionally done, this will assist South Africa in shifting from exporting raw resources to adding value. The opportunity is abundant. IB
20 INBOUND SA / December 2025