Building Bridges: South African SME Leaders Explored Business Partnerships in Germany with Gisma
As part of the Federal Ministry for Economy and Energy (BMWE) “Partnering in Business with Germany” programme, Gisma University of Applied Sciences recently hosted a delegation of 19 South African SME managers. Representing dynamic sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, energy, digital economy, and robotics, these business leaders explored Germany’s vibrant industry landscape through visits to companies and start-up hubs across Berlin and Brandenburg.
A highlight of their learning journey was the visit to the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) in Potsdam, where promising opportunities for collaborative research were identified, particularly in sustainable innovation and circular economy practices.
Lungisa Jason Lutshaba, CEO of Analit Africa known for producing urban refined 100% plant-based edible oils, organic personal care products, and non-perishables expressed great enthusiasm about future collaboration. “Partnering with ATB will advance our project to transform by-products into animal feed, turning waste into valuable resources. Additionally, their expertise in plant-based packaging could significantly reduce costs and enhance the sustainability of our products,” he stated.
Prof. Mulugeta Admasu Delele, Senior Scientist and Head of the Smart Drying Technology Working Group at ATB, welcomed this cross-continental partnership. “Both the German and South African governments actively support industrial research projects through aligned funding and programmes. This collaboration exemplifies the strong ties fostering innovation between our countries,” he commented.
The programme concluded with a closing event held at Gisma in Potsdam on Thursday, 26 June 2025. The agenda included presentations highlighting the learning journey, best practice sharing, and a programme evaluation session followed by a certificate ceremony.
To celebrate the success of the initiative and deepen connections, participants and guests came together for a farewell lunch, where Ulrich Niemann, Head of Division at the Federal Ministry for Economy and Energy, joined the group and shared a few words of appreciation with the participants.
This successful programme underlined Gisma’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, empowering emerging business leaders, and advancing sustainable economic development. We look forward to witnessing the innovative outcomes of these partnerships and continuing to build bridges between business communities across borders.