By Kudakwashe Tirivavi
ZIMTRADE, IN collaboration with CBZ, recently completed the Marketing and Branding for International Competitiveness (MBIC) Masterclass training for small enterprises in Bulawayo, in preparation for their participation in export markets.
Held across two sessions in Bulawayo, from May 15-16 and June 5-6, 2024, the training programme was designed to support entrepreneurs, marketing executives, and farmers with the crucial tools and insights needed to thrive in the international export market.
The MBIC training programme provides solutions where, the in the increasingly globalized market, businesses, especially Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), face the challenge of distinguishing themselves in a crowded and competitive arena.
The core of this year’s programme was enhancing export readiness, with sessions covering market research and analysis, market entry strategies, and understanding trade agreements.
These training modules also helped businesses identify profitable export markets, choose the best approach for market entry, and leverage trade agreements for international growth.
In today’s digital age, the training programme emphasized the importance of mastering digital marketing.
Participants were guided on developing robust digital marketing strategies, with a focus on content marketing and social media marketing.
These strategies are crucial for establishing a brand’s authority, connecting with target audiences, and driving sales effectively.
The masterclass also covered essential export procedures, providing insights into Incoterms, export documentation, and sound financial management practices.
These elements are vital for ensuring smooth international transactions.
Negotiation skills were another key focus area, with the training programme highlighting the importance of cultural awareness, strategic thinking, and problem-solving in negotiations.
Participants were taught a structured negotiation process, enabling them to strike favourable deals with international buyers.
To complement the theoretical knowledge, the masterclass included practical exposure.
A factory visit to Pension Knitwear offered participants a real-life glimpse into a successful export journey, while case studies facilitated interactive learning and allowed participants to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
This holistic approach ensured that participants left the masterclass well-equipped to navigate the complexities of international trade and achieve success in their export endeavours.
The effectiveness of this approach was reflected in the positive feedback from participants, serving as a testament to the program’s impact.
The seminar left attendees feeling confident, empowered, and ready to take their businesses global.
One of the participants indicated the programme was an eye opener, and that they have a clear plan to enter export markets.
“This seminar was an eye-opener as I now have a clear roadmap for entering the export market and the confidence to negotiate effectively with international buyers.
“The practical exposure, especially the factory visit, was invaluable.
“Seeing a successful export business in action was incredibly motivating.”
Other participants shared similar sentiments, applauding ZimTrade and CBZ for extending the value-added training to them.
The participants credited the program with giving them the knowledge to fix past mistakes, the skills to navigate complex challenges, and the inspiration to persevere on their export journeys.
“Thank you ZimTrade, CBZ and all the presenters for this very informative workshop I really refreshed and was able to identify the mistakes I made when I was exporting.
“I am now going to correct my mistakes and implement what I learnt in this workshop.”
