At the end of 2023, the Association for Meat Imports and Exports of South Africa (AMIE) launched its Industry Transformation Initiative, known as the AMIE Academy.

This initiative aims to identify and develop SMMEs (Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises) owned by previously disadvantaged individuals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to be economically active in the meat import and export industry.

The Academy prepares these enterprises for adoption into enterprise supplier development programmes (ESD), investment opportunities, and supplier contracting opportunities.

The Academy’s learning and development partner, Tushiyah Xhchange,  is a vital contributor to the programme. With a presence in entrepreneurial development in South Africa since 2005, Tushiyah Xhchange provides the training expertise, online platform, business coaches, and network that ensure the successful roll-out of the AMIE Academy programme.

Surisa Nel, Stakeholder Engagement and Transformation Lead for AMIE and project lead for the Academy, explains the primary objectives: “Our main objective is to elevate these SMMEs to a level where they are ready for those opportunities when they come through.”

 

Structured Development Programme

The Academy’s development programme is a rigorous 12-month journey, broken down into four phases:

 

Phase One: Candidate Selection

• Selecting the most suitable candidates is crucial. “We want candidates who will go through the whole length of the programme and not drop out,” Nel explains. This phase ensures commitment and capability.

 

Phase Two: Business Analysis

• A thorough business analysis determines each SMME’s maturity level and identifies gaps that need addressing.
• This analysis informs the curriculum and coaching activities. “We have business coaches with our SMMEs straight through the whole programme,” says Nel.
• The candidates use their own businesses as case studies, building a comprehensive portfolio that includes a business strategy, marketing plan, and more.

 

Phase Three: Business Boot Camp

• This six-month phase involves in-depth training on business skills tailored specifically for entrepreneurs. “Entrepreneurs need a completely different skill set,” Nel notes.

 

Phase Four: Industry-Specific Training

• The final phase covers the ins and outs of the value chain, supply chain, regulatory matters, and practical exercises.

 

Candidates get to experience what it is like in the industry and understand the need for regulations and compliance.

Nel proudly shares, “Our first pilot group is almost done with their full programme. We didn’t have one drop out, and they have grown significantly in their maturity levels, self-confidence, business knowledge, and industry knowledge.”

 

 

Positive Impact and Feedback

The feedback from candidates has been overwhelmingly positive. “It’s such a fulfilling thing to see the growth of these SMMEs,” Nel remarks. Despite their busy lives, the candidates have shown immense dedication to completing the programme.

Upon completing the boot camp phase, candidates receive a certificate of completion with an electronic badge, which Nel believes differentiates AMIE Academy candidates by providing them with valuable insights and skills

 

Post-Graduation Support

The Academy ensures continued support for candidates even after they complete the programme.

The AMIE Academy Xchange Village, a digital marketplace, showcases each business, allowing industry stakeholders to connect with and offer opportunities to these SMMEs.

“There’s a community of practice around them where they can continue to engage with one another,” says Nel.

Business coaches also remain available to candidates’ post-graduation. Nel highlights the strong relationships built between entrepreneurs and their coaches: “It takes a lot of trust to take somebody into your confidence and discuss these matters with.”

 

Future Goals and Objectives

As the Academy progresses, its vision for the future remains ambitious.

The second cohort has already commenced, expanding from a pilot group of five to a group of fifteen. “We’ve learned so much from our pilot group and have implemented those learnings into cohort two’s planning,” Nel explains.

The Academy aims to grow this community and establish a centre for development excellence in the industry.

Recognising the challenges faced by SMMEs in South Africa, particularly in specialised industries like meat trade, the Academy is expanding its focus to include adjacent services such as freight forwarding, cold storage, and logistics.

Nel shares the Academy’s broader vision: “We are also looking to roll out modules to our members and the industry that can be value-added to their onboarding processes as refresher courses.”

“The Academy aims to offer seamless ESD solutions, helping stakeholders in the industry maintain good corporate governance while making a net positive impact on the economy.”

 

Enrolling in the Programme

For entrepreneurs interested in joining the AMIE Academy, Nel advises reaching out directly via email at surisa@amiesa.co.za or visiting the AMIE website.

The Academy’s page under the “activities” section provides detailed information on the programme and showcases podcasts and interviews with current and previous candidates.

Nel’s parting words highlight the Academy’s commitment to excellence: “You can either do it easy or you can do it well. We’ve decided to take the long route and do it well, building a base and foundation of knowledge from where our entrepreneurs can build further.”

The AMIE Academy stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for SMMEs, driving industry transformation through dedication, education, and unwavering support.

 

ChickenBytes Podcast

Academy Project Lead, Surisa Nel, joins us to discuss the AMIE Academy. This industry-first initiative elevates SMEs owned by previously disadvantaged individuals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to successfully operate in the international meat trading industry.