AGOA Exporter of the Year Awards

This year the awards are hosted by the International Trade Institute of Southern Africa (ITRISA) with the support of the USAID Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub.

The aim is to recognise and reward outstanding performance and noteworthy efforts of exporters in overcoming market entry hurdles and achieving successful and consistent trade with the U.S under AGOA.

There are seven award categories this year:

– Small-sized ‘Exporter of the Year to the U.S. under AGOA’ (annual turnover < ZAR40M)
– Medium-sized ‘Exporter of the Year to the U.S. under AGOA’ (annual turnover ZAR40M – ZAR150M)
– Large-sized ‘Exporter of the Year to the U.S. under AGOA’ (annual turnover > ZAR150M)
– Female-owned Exporter of the Year to the U.S under AGOA
– Black-owned enterprise exporter of the year to the U.S under AGOA
– Youth-owned exporter of the year to the U.S under AGOA
– Overall ‘Exporter of the Year to the US under AGOA’ Award Winner.

Who is eligible to enter?
Participating businesses must actively be exporting to the U.S under AGOA.
Participating businesses must be privately owned by South African citizens.

Marketing and bursary prizes to the value of over R100 000!

"The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) provides duty-free treatment to goods of designated sub-Saharan African countries (SSAs). The program dates from 2000 and has the goal of promoting economic growth through good governance and free markets."

' U.S. Customs and Border Protection '
REASON TO ENTER

Reason to Enter

Winning the South African AGOA Exporter of the Year Award in your category entitles you to a range of digital collateral to help promote your businesses internationally

A nomination will differentiate your business from competitors and raise your profile internationally

Participating in the awards is a great way to network with stakeholders on the international stage and receive the recognition you deserve

Winners will receive a range of prizes aimed at increasing export success.

PRIZES TO BE WON

–

Overall Winner

  • Winner trophy
  • Full bursary for one employee to ITRISA’s 3-year Diploma in International Trade Management (Exports), valued at R78 000
  • Professional company-specific video, valued at R35 000
  • Invitation to participate in the Regional Exporter of the Year Awards event.

Prizes

Small-, Medium- & Large-sized Exporter Categories

  • Winner trophy
  • Full bursary for one employee to ITRISA’s 1-year Higher Certificate in International Trade, valued at R24 000
  • Professional company-specific winner video, valued at R35 000

Runners Up

  • Certificate of recognition

–

Female-, Youth- & Black-owned Exporter Categories

  • Winner trophy
  • Full bursary to ITRISA’s 5-day Complete Export Administration course, valued at R23 000
  • Professional company-specific winner video, valued at R35 000
NOMINATION CRITERIA

Nomination Criteria

 

  • Extent of exports to the US under AGOA (as a percentage of total exports)
  • Innovation, i.e. any innovative practices used to achieve export success in the US
  • Market Development, i.e. the effectiveness of the company’s US market entry and/or expansion strategies
  • People and Culture, i.e. the company’s internal achievements in terms of job creation and skills development
  • Strategic Business Practices, i.e. evidence of good management practices, adherence to recognised quality standards, and commitment to social responsibility initiatives.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE

2023 Event Details Coming Soon

We will be announcing the opening of nominations for the 2023 event shortly. Please complete the short form below to express your interest in participating.

Awards Ceremony & Prizegiving

The date and details of the 2023 event

will be announced shortly.

Venue

To be Announced.

The event will also be livestreamed via YouTube.

Enquiries

corbanthomson@itrisa.co.za