Dynamic economies around the world are built on the strength of their small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). In southern Africa, however, this sector is poorly developed – which is why SAFRI is involved in strengthening the sector by introducing entrepreneurs and management teams to a new paradigm of excellence.

The SAFRI HRD project Journey to Excellence (J2Ex) was initiated in 1998 and promotes entrepreneurship, competitiveness, and regional integration through the promotion of organisational performance excellence in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and relevant multiplier organisations. Emphasis is placed on businesses owned by black Africans.

This approach creates a win-win situation: African enterprises become more successful, thereby improving opportunities for German businesses for trade and investment in the region.

The SAFRI HRD J2Ex project works with a wide variety of local partners. The workshop series entitled The Journey to Excellence is structured around the innovative EFQM Excellence Model. In interactive workshops, which feature case studies presented by outstanding regional entrepreneurs, participants assess current levels of business and the organisational efficiency of their enterprise, identify strengths and areas for improvement, prioritise improvement opportunities, and prepare action plans to address key excellence gaps.

In the process they draw the baseline for future comparison, and are able to benchmark their business against others from around the world that use the same or similar excellence models. Follow-on mentoring supports entrepreneurs and managers in their journeys to excellence over time.

Emailadresse:nina@mapili.com