The logistics landscape in Africa is evolving rapidly. Beyond infrastructure and technological solutions, human capital is now a strategic priority. In Egypt, Al Ahram Beverages Company (ABC) has sent a strong signal to the continent’s transport and supply chain sector with the launch of its groundbreaking “Makanek” initiative.
A Pioneering Step for North African Supply Chains
Al Ahram Beverages, a leading player in Egypt’s food and beverage industry, has officially launched “Makanek,” an ambitious program designed to increase women’s participation in technical, logistics, and supply chain roles across Africa.
This initiative marks a historic milestone for transport in the region: the first two female forklift operators officially certified in Egypt have joined the teams at ABC’s Sharkia industrial site, one of the company’s key logistical hubs.
In a sector still largely dominated by men—warehouses, logistics platforms, and industrial operations—this achievement reflects a broader cultural shift in Africa’s supply chain practices.
Boosting Women’s Presence in Logistics and Transport
Since 2023, ABC has more than doubled the number of women in supply chain positions, highlighting a growing trend across African economies: the progressive feminization of transport, logistics, and operational roles.
The certified operators completed rigorous training at the Heavy Equipment Training Center in 10th of Ramadan City under the guidance of Egypt’s Ministry of Housing. ABC fully funded the program, covering training, certification, and mentoring, ensuring the highest standards of safety and technical expertise in line with international trade norms.
Opportunities for Women Across the Supply Chain
Women at ABC now occupy critical roles beyond equipment operation, including maintenance planning, quality analysis, operations management, plant supervision, and STEM positions (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
While the Sharkia site exemplifies this shift, the impact is company-wide: ABC maintains an active network of female employees at its headquarters and across four industrial sites, directly contributing to the performance of its logistics operations in Africa.
A Strategic Advantage for African Trade and Logistics
For ABC CEO Nikolay Mladenov, “Makanek” is more than a symbolic gesture:
“We are redefining what is possible. Certifying Egypt’s first female forklift operators sends a strong message to Africa’s supply chain. Today, women make up over 50% of our management team. Diversity drives innovation and growth.”
As African and international trade increasingly depend on efficient, inclusive, and resilient supply chains, integrating women into these networks is a critical driver of competitiveness.
Building a Stronger African Logistics Ecosystem
ABC’s commitment extends beyond the company itself. Through strategic partnerships, including with Orange Corners Egypt, the group has supported over 250 entrepreneurs and 140 start-ups in two years—half of them women—often in environmentally, technologically, or agriculturally focused projects.
ABC also collaborates with the Gozour Foundation through the Salil program, which promotes employability, vocational training, and support for women-led small businesses in underserved communities.
A Growing Trend Across Africa
With “Makanek,” Al Ahram Beverages embodies a growing movement in African logistics: upskilling talent and fostering inclusion as a pathway to sustainable performance.
As supply chains across Africa strive for greater efficiency, reliability, and innovation, Egypt’s example could inspire transport and logistics players across the continent—from the Maghreb to sub-Saharan Africa.
Logis-T Africa will continue to track these initiatives, which are reshaping a more inclusive, modern, and competitive African supply chain.
