Train the Trainer Programme: Building a Stronger British Chamber Network Across Africa
Johannesburg & Pretoria, South Africa | 7–9 September 2026
Three days of intensive training, practical learning and high-level engagement have strengthened the capacity of British Chambers and delivery partners across Africa, while reinforcing collaboration with UK Government stakeholders.
The Train the Trainer Programme, held in Johannesburg and Pretoria from 7–9 September 2026, has successfully brought together representatives of British Chambers, delivery partners and UK Government stakeholders for an intensive programme focused on strengthening service delivery and building a more connected Chamber network across Africa.
Group Photo at the residence of the HM Trade Commissioner to Southern African.
Held under the Africa British Chambers Capacity Building & HMG Engagement Programme, the programme was designed to move participants beyond awareness and towards practical delivery readiness—equipping them with the knowledge, tools, confidence and relationships required to provide more consistent and effective support to businesses.
Participants and UK Government stakeholders at the Train the Trainer Programme in Johannesburg, South Africa.
From Training to Practical Delivery
The three-day programme combined structured training, practical exercises, peer learning and stakeholder engagement.
Participants explored key aspects of the Export Support Service (ESS) IM Africa delivery model, including systems and tools, export finance, service boundaries, working with Posts, client engagement, service delivery standards, market access and trade policy.
Participants engage in an intensive training session focused on strengthening Chamber service delivery and export support capability
Rather than focusing solely on theory, the sessions encouraged participants to share experiences from their respective markets and examine practical challenges they encounter in supporting businesses. Discussions around client handling, referral management, escalation and communication helped participants identify practical ways to improve the consistency and quality of services provided through the Chamber network.
“The programme moved beyond awareness to practical delivery readiness, giving participants greater clarity, confidence and practical tools to support businesses more effectively.”
Strengthening Collaboration with UK Government
A key strength of the programme was the opportunity for participants to engage directly with UK Government and institutional stakeholders.
Engagements with representatives of the British Council, the UK Government’s Southern Africa team and other stakeholders involved in trade, investment, economic development and market access provided valuable insights into the wider UK trade and investment ecosystem.
These sessions also helped clarify the respective roles of Chambers, Posts and Government partners, while reinforcing the importance of effective communication, referral mechanisms and collaboration in delivering better outcomes for businesses.
The leadership engagement with the Southern Africa team was particularly valuable, providing an opportunity to discuss how closer collaboration can generate greater regional impact.
Learning from Chamber Best Practice
Peer learning was another important element of the programme.
Participants engaged with the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa (BCBSA) in a dedicated Chamber best-practice session, gaining practical insights into Chamber operations, member engagement and service delivery.
The exchange demonstrated the value of sharing experience across the British Chamber network and highlighted how Chambers can learn from one another to strengthen standards, improve member value and enhance support to businesses.
Johannesburg to Pretoria: Connecting Trade, Diplomacy and Development
The programme concluded with a visit to Pretoria and the British High Commission, where participants engaged with UK Government representatives on economic development and wider government priorities.
The Pretoria engagement provided an important broader perspective on the UK’s diplomatic, economic and development presence in the region and further strengthened relationships between the Chamber network and UK Government stakeholders.
It also reinforced a central message of the programme: effective business support depends on strong partnerships, clearly defined roles, efficient referral pathways and regular communication.
An Intensive and Rewarding Experience
The programme was demanding, combining training modules, practical discussions, stakeholder engagements and networking activities over three days.
Despite the intensity of the schedule, participants remained highly engaged throughout. The atmosphere was constructive and interactive, with delegates actively contributing their experiences, asking questions and exploring how the learning could be applied within their own Chambers and markets.
The UKCCC (represented by Henry Kiven – the UKCCC Executive Director and Almaz Akainyah, Second Secretary at the British High commission in Yaounde Cameroon) received a Certificate of Recognition as a Export Delivery Partner of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade supporting UK exporters in Cameroon through the Export Support Service International Markets Africa Network.
Informal networking opportunities—including the welcome gathering and networking dinner—also provided valuable opportunities for participants and stakeholders to build professional relationships and continue discussions beyond the formal sessions.
By the end of the programme, participants had gained a stronger understanding of the delivery model, greater clarity around roles and responsibilities, and increased confidence in applying the systems, tools and standards covered during the training.
Most importantly, participants left the programme with a strong sense of satisfaction about its quality, relevance and practical value.
Key Outcomes
✓ Stronger delivery capability
There is improved understanding of systems, tools and service delivery standards.
✓ Greater consistency
A clearer approach to client handling, referrals, escalation and service delivery.
✓ Stronger partnerships
Enhanced relationships between Chambers, delivery partners and UK Government stakeholders.
✓ Practical knowledge sharing
Greater opportunity for Chambers to learn from one another and share market experience.
✓ Increased confidence
Participants returned to their respective markets better equipped to apply their learning.
✓ A foundation for continued collaboration
Follow-up actions will support implementation, knowledge sharing and continued engagement with Posts and UK Government teams.
Participants and stakeholders connect during one of the programme’s networking sessions, strengthening relationships across the British Chamber network.
Looking Ahead
The successful completion of the Train the Trainer Programme is not an endpoint, but the beginning of the next phase of implementation and collaboration.
Participants will take the knowledge, practical tools and relationships developed during the programme back to their respective markets, with follow-up activities expected to support the consistent application of the training and strengthen engagement with UK Government partners.
As opportunities for UK-Africa trade and investment continue to expand, a capable, connected and professional British Chamber network will be increasingly important in helping businesses navigate international markets and access the support available to them.
The Johannesburg and Pretoria programme has provided an important foundation for that ambition.
“Stronger collaboration. Stronger capacity. Stronger delivery. Greater impact for UK-Africa trade and investment.”
