SAAFF SMME Desk boosts national logistics transformation programme

Supply chain professionals from across the continent have lauded the announcement by the Southern Africa Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF) of the launch of the SAAFF SMME Desk.

“This timely initiative by SAAFF is pivotal at this juncture, where capacity building, facilitated through technology, easy access to information and skills development programmes, among others, stand out as crucial for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to sustain and amplify their significant contributions to the national gross domestic product.  The realisation of the country’s growth objectives hinges, to a considerable extent, on initiatives such as the SAAFF SMME Desk,” explains Dr Juanita Maree, CEO of SAAFF, adding that SMMEs account for at least 40% of South Africa’s GDP.

Dr Maree is recognised in the industry as a passionate, committed leader and advocate for inclusive economic participation in pursuit of more effective empowerment of SMMEs as key enablers of economic growth and job creation – catalytic forces fundamental for our nation’s advancement.

The SAAFF SMME Desk programme is specifically geared to empower, uplift and educate SMMEs, particularly those owned by women and young entrepreneurs operating in supply chain spheres. The programme’s core objective is to cultivate excellence in the supply chain landscape by fostering compliant, effective SMME trade participation at broader and more efficient levels that would also facilitate their expansion toward international trade.

“The SMME sector stands on the brink of significant growth, propelled by the transformative forces reshaping our nation and in response to the urgent need for deeper reforms to tackle the supply chain logistics crises in South Africa,” continues Dr Maree.

“Our new democratic dispensation is bolstered by a robust free market platform, regional and continental developments such as the African Continental Free Trade Area and South Africa’s strong competitive position that amplifies our natural wealth and our reach. As we enter a new concessionary phase, public and private sector collaboration can surmount formidable challenges, and this requires a robust SMME sector. SAAFF’s SMME Desk finds congruency with the SA Revenue Service SMME Taxpayers, Travellers and Traders division.

“The supply chain lies at the heart of revitalising economic growth, and SMMEs are a key catalyst toward achieving this aspirational objective. Collaboratively, we will regain the confidence of global investors to forge a path toward rebuilding our future,” she concludes.

Image credit: Freepik