In this era where artificial intelligence and data analytics are reshaping industries worldwide, Africa’s logistics and supply chain sector stands at a crucial turning point of digital transformation. At the forefront of this evolution is Olufunmilayo “Funmi” Abodunrin, a rising expert who embodies the perfect blend of traditional logistics expertise and cutting-edge technological innovation. In this insightful interview, Abodunrin, who playfully describes herself as a “Yoruba girl from Ghana,” shares her unique perspective on how AI and data analytics are revolutionizing African supply chains. From tackling Africa-specific challenges to exploring…
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Vulnerability of supply chains exposed as global maritime chokepoints come under pressure
The latest Review of Maritime transport urges action to strengthen infrastructure and operations, promote low-carbon shipping and combat growing concerns over fraudulent ship registrations. The global economy, food security, and energy supplies are at increasing risk due to vulnerabilities at key maritime routes. The Review of Maritime Transport 2024 from UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reveals that critical chokepoints – such as the Panama Canal (connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans), the Red Sea and the Suez Canal (linking the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Arabian Peninsula), and the…
Read MoreGlobal supply chain leaders meet in Nairobi to shape the future of global health supply chains
The second Supply Chain Leaders Forum Nairobi, Kenya / Thursday 10 October 2024 The second Supply Chain Leaders Forum (SCLF) kicked off yesterday with global supply chain leaders from 24 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) convening in Nairobi. The forum empowers country leaders through two-way dialogue with global donors to advocate supply chain transformation locally, enabling the transition to a sustainable supply chain. It informs the transition of health supply chain management to a country-led approach, and fosters a shared vision and collective impact through inter-country dialogues, in-country advocacy and…
Read MoreSAPICS ANNOUNCES BOTSWANA SUPPLY CHAIN SUMMIT TO STRENGTHEN AFRICA’S SUPPLY CHAINS
Leading supply chain industry body SAPICS has announced its participation in the upcoming inaugural Botswana Supply Chain Summit, reflecting its commitment to elevating, educating and empowering supply chain professionals not just in South Africa but across the continent. “SAPICS recognises Africa’s potential as a global supply chain force, and the imperative to strengthen African supply chains to unlock the region’s growth and prosperity,” comments SAPICS president MJ Schoemaker. The Botswana Supply Chain Summit takes place on 6 and 7 November 2024 in Gaborone. “This is a pivotal event; a milestone…
Read MoreVULTURES AND HEALTHCARE AMONG TOPICS IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT SUPPLY CHAIN PROFESSION’S SPRING CONFERENCE
An innovative solution to improving healthcare access and availability in Lesotho and a heartwarming project that saved 160 endangered vultures were among the topics on the programme at the annual SAPICS Spring Summit, a leading event for supply chain professionals that was held in in Johannesburg recently by supply chain industry body SAPICS. Fanie Hendriksz, managing director of Right ePharmacy, shared the South African healthcare tech startup’s Lesotho success story, which was undertaken in partnership with USAID, the Lesotho Ministry of Health and Riders for Health. “BonoloMeds”, as the project…
Read MoreSUPPLY CHAIN PRACTITIONERS URGED TO ATTEND SUSTAINABILITY MASTERCLASS
A company’s supply chain is responsible for most of its environmental impact. Global supply chains account for more than 90% of the impact on air, land, water, biodiversity and geological resources, and they are responsible for more than 80% of greenhouse gas emissions. These are some of the reasons why it is imperative to build sustainable supply chains, stresses SAPICS, The Professional Body for Supply Chain Management. To equip supply chain professionals with the skills and know how to do this, the organisation has lined up a not to be missed masterclass. Facilitated by…
Read MoreABSA TO BOOST SMMES WITH EMPOWERING CONFERENCE AND EXPO
The development of small businesses can help to fight unemployment in South Africa, which has soared to a record 33.5%, according to data recently released by Statistics South Africa. Recognising this and reflecting the group’s commitment to helping SMMEs (small, medium and micro enterprises) to flourish, Absa will once again host the annual Absa Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Expo and Absa Smart Supplier Conference in Gauteng. Taking place on 10 and 11 September 2024 in Midrand, these are South Africa’s largest and longest standing events aimed at connecting local…
Read MoreGCCA ISSUES CALL TO ACTION ON FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE AND BOOSTING TRADE IN AFRICA
African policy leaders must support robust growth in the cold chain for the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and to boost prosperity, food supply chain resilience, and trade across the continent, says the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) today as the GCCA Africa conference opens at the Westin Hotel in Cape Town. The GCCA is the international association for temperature-controlled logistics businesses. The GCCA Africa conference will see Africa’s cold chain professionals gather for two days of discussion on key challenges and opportunities related to the storage and…
Read MoreLAST CALL TO REGISTER FOR SAPICS SPRING SUMMIT
The annual SAPICS Spring Summit for supply chain professionals will take place in Johannesburg on 29 August 2024. Organiser SAPICS (The Professional Body for Supply Chain Management) has announced that the deadline for registration is looming and urges supply chain professionals to attend this important industry event that will explore the latest trends, innovations and best practices in the industry. The programme includes compelling presentations from this year’s SAPICS Conference, Africa’s leading event for the supply chain profession, which took place in Cape Town in June. More than 750 supply…
Read More2024 SAPICS CONFERENCE : ITALTILE REAPS THE BENEFITS OF SUPPLY CHAIN AND TRANSPORT OPTIMISATION INITIATIVE
Supply chain is an organisation’s strength, but it can also be their Achilles heel if it is not managed efficiently, says James Mason, group IT executive at Italtile Limited. In a compelling presentation at the 2024 SAPICS Conference, Africa’s leading event for the supply chain profession, Mason shared Italtile’s supply chain journey and the remarkable results of a supply chain integration and transport optimisation initiative undertaken in partnership with supply chain specialist Inhance Supply Chain Solutions. Mason, who co-presented with Inhance director Chad Kilian, revealed that replacing Italtile’s traditional, silo-based…
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