South Africa's transport and logistics SMEs will converge at the 4th Annual Access Road Freight SME Summit 2026, taking place on 21–22 October 2026 at the Indaba Hotel, Fourways, Johannesburg.

Under the theme “Unlocking Working Capital: Practical Strategies. Stronger Cash Flow. Sustainable Growth for SMEs,” the two-day Summit will bring together SME operators, fleet owners, transport professionals, financial institutions, industry leaders, policymakers and service providers to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the sector: access to and effective management of working capital.

According to Florence Musundwa, host of the Road Freight SME Summit, the event was built to move beyond the traditional funding conversation. "Access to capital remains a real constraint for transport SMEs, but this Summit is about helping operators optimise cash flow, unlock the value of assets they already have, and build commercially sustainable businesses," Musundwa says.

Unlocking Working Capital

For many transport SMEs, access to capital remains a significant constraint. However, the 2026 Summit will go beyond the traditional conversation around funding to examine how SMEs can optimise cash flow, unlock the value of their existing assets and build commercially sustainable businesses.

Key discussions will focus on:

• Capital Access in a High-Risk Industry: Unlocking working capital and scaling beyond survival.
• Beyond Cashflow: Using purchase-order finance to scale loads, fleets and revenue capacity.
• The Real Cost of Your Fleet: Route profitability, margin audits and data-driven fleet decisions.
• Future-Proofing SME Fleets: OEM strategy, asset financing and commercial vehicle innovation.

“The programme will also unpack practical strategies and digital solutions to help transport businesses strengthen cash flow, improve operational efficiency and make better commercial decisions,” adds Musundwa.

Senior Industry Leaders at the Table

The 2026 Summit brings together an impressive line-up of industry leaders, executives and decision-makers, including:

• Lwazi Mboyi — Chief Executive Officer, Cross-Border Road Transport Agency
• Maphefo Anno-Frempong — Chief Executive Officer, Transport Education Training Authority (TETA)
• Unathi Kildase — Vice President Operations, Game Africa Massmart
• Siyabonga Gule — Founder, Beapo
• Dewald Brand— Contract Success Executive, RNR App
• Musa Ndlovu— National Secretary,  National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI)
• Stevie Ferreira— Founder, TruckFuelNet (TFN)
• Jonathan McDonald — Vice President, South African Freight and Logistics Association (SAFLA)
• Oliver Naidoo — Managing Director, JC Auditors
• Mesela Nhlapo — Chief Executive Officer, African Rail Industry Association (ARIA)
• Jedd Harris — Chief Strategy Officer, Sourcefin
• Lee-Anne Vermeulen — National Manager: Commercial, Cross-Border Road Transport Agency
• Thabo Moodie — Chief Operations Officer, Oricred
• Dr Paulina Mamogobo — Chief Economist, naamsa| The Automotive Business Council
• Khaya Mahlangu — Managing Director, Cogash Rentals

A featured session will include Stevie Ferreira, Founder of TFN, presenting “From Building TFN to Building What’s Next”, with a focus on optimising working capital and strengthening SME cash flow.

A Platform Built Around Access

Musundwa says the Summit was founded on a simple objective: building access to the relationships, knowledge, markets, finance and opportunities SMEs need to grow. "Access to finance alone isn't enough. Businesses also need access to customers, procurement opportunities, credible financial solutions, industry intelligence, technology and the decision-makers shaping the sector's future," she says.

Strong Industry Support

The 2026 Summit is supported by leading organisations across the sector. Sponsors and partners include FNB, WesBank, TETA, Santam, Absa, Sasol, the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA), Isuzu and Sourcefin.

Who Should Attend?

• Transport and logistics SMEs
• Fleet owners and transport operators
• Logistics and supply-chain professionals
• Industry stakeholders
• Investors and financiers
• OEMs and asset-financing providers
• Service providers
• Policymakers and government stakeholders

Event Details

Event: 4th Annual Access Road Freight SME Summit 2026

Theme: Unlocking Working Capital: Practical Strategies. Stronger Cash Flow. Sustainable Growth for SMEs.

Date: 21–22 October 2026

Venue: Indaba Hotel, Fourways, Johannesburg

Time: 07:30–16:00 daily

Delegate Fee: R2,500 excluding VAT