Strengthening Cybersecurity and Digital Payment Literacy for Swiss SMEs Expanding into South Africa: A Train-the-Trainer Approach

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increasingly rely on secure digital infrastructures when entering international markets. However, understanding country-specific cybersecurity regulations and digital payment systems remains a significant challenge, and existing Swiss internationalisation programs provide limited training in these areas. To address this gap, this study proposes a conceptual Train-the-Trainer model, which has not yet been empirically validated, designed to equip Swiss business trainers with expertise in cybersecurity and digital payment systems in Switzerland and South Africa. The proposed program consists of a seven-week training framework aimed at developing a pool of trainers capable of transferring this specialized knowledge to Swiss SMEs. By strengthening trainers’ competencies, the model supports SMEs in navigating regulatory and technological environments during market entry. The initiative is expected to generate direct benefits for business trainers and SMEs while also contributing to broader local, national, and regional capacity-building outcomes.

Keywords: Train-the-Trainer, Digital Payment Systems, Cybersecurity, Internationalisation.

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1008134