BUFFALO&SAIEA on CNBC Africa: Enabling SMEs Export Growth

In a recent episode of CNBC Africa's Power Lunch, BUFFALO International Logistics and the South African Import and Export Association (SAIEA) shared the outstanding results of their innovative collaboration in successfully helping local SMEs access the global market.

The discussion focused on the successful partnership between SAIEA, South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), and China's Hunan Provincial Government at this year's China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE 2025). Through this robust public-private partnership, the initiative has successfully enabled over 30 South African exporters to bring their high-quality products into the vast Chinese market, spanning sectors such as specialty foods and high-value-added goods.

During the discussion, representatives from both organizations highlighted the crucial role of digital trade and strategic collaboration in this process. By integrating digital platforms with efficient international logistics solutions, BUFFALO and SAIEA have effectively lowered the barrier to entry for South African SMEs in global trade, providing them with end-to-end support from market access and logistics to delivery and customs clearance.

“We're collaborating and looking to really ensure that we synchronize our operations our endeavors with like-minded outfits,” said Zandile Nzalo of SAIEA during the program. “Together we can actually make this work. It's not a one man show and we don't claim to be the heroes in this game, we want to walk this journey together with them.”

Travis Haefele of BUFFALO added, "BUFFALO working with the SMEs and working hand in hand with them, also allows them and guards them on the rules and regulations that they might not have the resources to do the research themselves. We are the experts in that and we are able to — as Zandile mentioned — hold their hand and walk with them."

This collaboration vividly demonstrates how an effective partnership model can transform the export potential of local South African SMEs into tangible business growth, powerfully embodying BUFFALO's corporate mission of "We deliver hope."