FedEx launches first Export Challenge to help Indonesian SMEs go global

FedEx has launched its inaugural Export Challenge in Indonesia, a national initiative aimed at helping export-ready SMEs build the capabilities needed to expand into international markets.

The initiative, announced on 1 September, is being run in partnership with Indonesian export education and business development platform BD Ekspor. The programme is free to enter and open to export-ready SMEs across Indonesia, with registration running from 1 to 18 September.

The challenge comes as Indonesian SMEs continue to play a major role in the domestic economy but have a comparatively small share of the country's exports. According to data from Indonesia's ministry of MSMEs, the country has around 57 million SMEs, which contribute 60.5% of national GDP and account for 97% of national employment. Yet, they contribute approximately 15.7% of Indonesia's total exports.

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FedEx said the gap highlights an opportunity to help more businesses overcome the barriers involved in entering international markets.

“Indonesian SMEs produce world-class products, ranging from food and beverages to fashion and handicrafts. Yet, too few have managed to reach international buyers. This gap is not due to a lack of ambition or quality, but often stems from limited access to the resources and partners needed to take the next step,” said Bianca Wong, vice president, operations, FedEx Southeast Asia.

“FedEx Export Challenge is designed to bridge that gap through practical export training and logistics support. We want to give export-ready businesses the confidence and tools they need to compete on the global stage.”

Participants will receive practical guidance covering areas including market strategy, logistics, customs processes, regulatory compliance and business growth. The programme will also draw on FedEx's global network covering more than 220 countries and territories.

Following an online bootcamp, participants will submit their export proposals. Finalists will then pitch their export growth strategies during a Grand Final in October, with the winners to be announced at the Indonesia Exporters Conference 2026 in November.

The top three winners will receive financial support, FedEx shipping credits and export coaching from BD Ekspor. The first-, second- and third-place winners will receive US$3,000, US$1,500 and US$1,000 respectively.

For BD Ekspor, the partnership is intended to combine export education with access to logistics expertise as SMEs move from being export-ready to competing internationally.

“Indonesia is not short of outstanding products. What many businesses still lack is a clear roadmap and the right partners to help them break into cross-border markets,” said Nicholas Dennis, founder of BD Ekspor.

“Our mission at BD Ekspor has always been to help export-ready SMEs become truly competitive exporters, and our collaboration with FedEx allows us to combine practical export education with the strength of a global logistics network to turn that ambition into reality.”

The initiative builds on FedEx's longstanding presence in Indonesia. The company has supported Indonesian businesses in reaching international markets since 1985.

Discover what's next in Indonesia's fast-moving digital landscape at DMA Indonesia 2026 on 13 October in Jakarta, where marketing leaders will explore how AI, creator ecosystems, social commerce, and omnichannel strategies are reshaping customer engagement and business growth.

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