Johannesburg / Singapore — September 26, 2025 — The International Trade Council (ITC) and MSME Chambers South Africa today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a strategic partnership to equip small, medium, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) with the data, training, research, and visibility they need to expand internationally. The agreement provides MSME Chambers members with subsidized access to the ADAMftd global trade-data platform, joint research initiatives, and co-published publications designed to convert insights into practical export outcomes.
Under the MOU, the partners will collaborate on:
- Data access: Subsidized member access to ADAMftd for market-demand analysis, importer discovery, pricing intelligence, risk checks, and supply-chain mapping.
- Joint research & publications: Co-authoring market opportunity briefs, sector deep-dives, country entry playbooks, and an annual MSME Export Readiness & Opportunity Barometer—with free distribution to MSME members and stakeholders.
- Capacity building: Free certificate courses through the International Trade Academy; practical webinars and 24/7 user support.
- Publicity & media: Opportunities for MSMEs to publish success stories across ITC channels and partner media, plus co-branded research launches.
- Events & deal-flow: Discounted participation in global trade events—including the Go Global Awards—and B2B programs to catalyze partnerships and investment.
Noah Debeila, President, MSME Chambers South Africa, said: “This partnership gives our members an unfair advantage. With subsidized access to ADAMftd, world-class training from the ITC, and co-published research that speaks directly to MSME realities, our entrepreneurs can validate demand, identify qualified buyers, and enter new markets with confidence.”
Paul Kwengwere, Board Member, International Trade Council, noted: “MSMEs are the lifeblood of job creation and innovation. By combining actionable data, practitioner-led training, and joint publications that spotlight real, near-term opportunities, we’re lowering the barriers that keep smaller firms from exporting and partnering across borders.”
Mark Glover, Board Member, International Trade Council, added: “This is about results. We’re aligning intelligence, media reach, and curated B2B opportunities—supported by jointly authored market briefs—so MSMEs can move from intention to signed purchase orders faster and with less risk.”
Why this matters for MSMEs
MSMEs power local employment, diversify supply chains, and bring innovation to global buyers. Yet they face limited market intelligence, complex compliance requirements, and costly trial-and-error in new markets. Through this partnership, members can use ADAMftd to see real trade flows, discover who buys what, where, and at what price, and run due-diligence checks before committing scarce resources—while gaining skills, visibility, and research-backed guidance to act decisively.
Member call-to-action
MSME Chambers members can activate their subsidized ADAMftd access today at: https://adamftd.com/msme/
About MSME Chambers South Africa
MSME Chambers South Africa is a national business resource dedicated to training, policy advocacy, and meaningful engagement among MSMEs, government, and ecosystem partners. The Chamber connects members to practical tools, research, and opportunities that grow revenues, exports, and jobs. Learn more: http://msmechambers.org/
About the International Trade Council
The International Trade Council (ITC) is a peak-body global chamber of commerce whose membership spans government export-promotion agencies, foreign-direct investment bodies, national chambers, industry associations, and corporations. The ITC provides education, research, and programs that promote transparent, resilient, and inclusive trade. More at www.tradecouncil.org.
About ADAMftd
ADAMftd—the technology arm of the International Centre for Trade Transparency—analyzes billions of customs declarations, shipping records, official registries, tariffs, sanctions, and entity relationships to deliver actionable trade intelligence for market entry, buyer discovery, pricing, and risk management. MSME Chambers members can access the platform at https://adamftd.com/msme/.
Media Contacts
MSME Chambers South Africa
Communications Office
Email: [email protected] | Web: http://msmechambers.org/
International Trade Council (ITC)
Press Office
Email: [email protected] | Web: https://www.tradecouncil.org
ADAMftd
Media Relations
Email: [email protected] | Web: https://www.adamftd.com
