A new Gartner survey, conducted in partnership with AWESOME, reveals that women’s representation in supply chain roles has reached a standstill. For years, the narrative around women in the supply chain has been one of slow but steady progress. But a new report from Gartner throws cold water on that idea, revealing our momentum has…
Nearly half of security professionals say global economic policies and geopolitical tensions are increasing cyber risks to critical infrastructure. A new report titled The Global State of CPS Security 2025: Navigating Risk in an Uncertain Economic Landscape reveals growing cybersecurity challenges tied to shifting global supply chains and economic policies. Based on insights from 1,100…
In a powerful contribution to the “African Supply Chain Outlook 2026” webinar, Dr Obiora Madu, Founder and CEO of Multimix Academy and Director General of Africa Centre for Supply Chain, widely regarded as the “grandfather of supply chain in Nigeria”, shifted the focus to the foundational drivers of growth: capacity building and continental integration. Speaking…
The Smart Procurement World Indaba drew a record 3,200 delegates and 2,200 Expo visitors, cementing its place as South Africa’s top procurement event. The 2025 Smart Procurement World Indaba in Johannesburg wasn’t just another industry event; it was a powerful statement about the future of procurement in South Africa and across Africa, with over 3,200…
With global donor funding cuts exposing deep vulnerabilities in Africa’s healthcare systems, African healthcare and pharmaceutical manufacturers will meet in Accra, Ghana, next week to chart a course to decisively shift the continent from dependence to self-reliance in healthcare manufacturing. Coming at a pivotal time, the attendance and impact of the second African Healthcare Manufacturing…
Industry experts warn the tariffs may drive up supply chain costs and burden consumers, even as the government frames the policy as a bid to revive jobs. The U.S. government has unveiled sweeping new tariffs on heavy trucks, pharmaceuticals, and home goods, marking a major escalation in President Donald Trump’s trade strategy. Starting from October…
What will it take for Africa to not just survive, but thrive, by 2026? Supply chain expert Daniel Onwalezi offered a powerful vision: the key to the future lies in how we tackle today’s toughest challenges. With over a decade of experience in West African FMCG and retail innovation, Onwalezi provided a clear-eyed assessment of…
Dangote Group has announced a major expansion of its logistics capacity with the acquisition of 10,000 trucks, including 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel tankers and 6,000 dry cargo vehicles. The investment is part of a broader strategy to modernise the company’s transport operations, is also aimed at strengthening the distribution of refined products and…
For the first time in its history in South Africa, Walmart will operate under its own name a move that could reshape competition across the country’s retail sector. More than a decade, Walmart has operated in South Africa through its subsidiary Massmart, which runs well-known chains like Makro, Game, and Builders Warehouse. However, until now,…
The Southern African professional body for supply chain management, SAPICS, has announced the appointment of Mbongeni Ndlovu as its new general manager, marking a significant leadership addition to the not-for-profit organisation. Ndlovu, based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, brings more than ten years of experience spanning research, consulting and capacity building. His work has centred on issues…
Public procurement is one of the most critical functions in any economy. When it fails, the consequences are immediate and damaging, projects stall, public funds disappear, and citizens lose trust in government. The recent Sujimoto–Enugu contract controversy, reported by Vanguard and valued at ₦11.45 billion (approx. $7.3 million), offers a striking case study of how…
Discover innovative solutions to lower costs, enhance efficiency, and drive sustainable growth. Let’s be honest. For most small business owners in Africa, “procurement” isn’t a fancy corporate term; it’s the daily headache of finding a supplier who won’t ghost you, the shock of a shipping quote that costs more than the goods, and the nightmare…
South Africa’s fiscal challenges are mounting, but with them comes a chance to rethink public spending. At the Smart Procurement World Indaba, top Treasury leaders will take the stage to explore how procurement can drive accountability, unlock value, and support long-term development. For South Africa’s public sector, procurement is no longer just about compliance —…
The summit will return for its second edition on 22–23 October 2025 at the Gaborone International Conference Centre (GICC), co-hosted by SAPICS, with the theme ‘Innovate. Integrate. Impact. The two-day summit brings together local, regional and international supply chain professionals, policymakers and industry leaders to explore practical and strategic approaches to supply chain excellence. The agenda will…
U.S. Manufacturers Slash Orders, Asian Factories Weaken, and Europe’s Recovery Stalls in July. Global supply chain activity fell in July as U.S. manufacturers scaled back purchases of materials and components. Following heavy inventory stockpiling in June during the ‘tariff pause,’ companies cut new orders sharply, according to the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index. The…
US-based author and sustainability expert Deborah Dull launched her new book at the 47th SAPICS Conference in Cape Town, inspiring over 700 supply chain professionals at Africa’s leading industry event. Entitled “Full Circle: Supply Chains Reimagined: A Story of Circular Supply Chain Capabilities”, Dull’s latest book tells the story of a fictional character, Maya Patel….
South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, Bernice Swarts, will officially launch the fifth annual Sustainability Summit Africa in Johannesburg on 16 September 2025, setting the stage for a landmark event in Africa’s green agenda. Hosted in partnership with Deloitte, Sustainability Summit Africa has established itself as the continent’s premier environmental, social,…
Refinery Undergoes Strategic Upgrade to Increase Capacity to 700,000 Barrels Per Day by 2025 Nigeria’s Dangote Group has appointed David Bird, a former Shell executive with over 30 years of industry experience, as Chief Executive Officer of its Refinery and Petrochemical division, effective August 1. Bird’s extensive portfolio includes managing major projects such as Shell’s…
Younger workers are hungry for purpose, and the supply chain holds the key. It’s time for the industry to step up and share its powerful story. It’s been said that younger generations of employees really want meaningful work they can sink their teeth into. This means doing the kind of work that matters and leaves…
Procurement fraud, tariffs, and ethical sourcing headline the 19th Smart Procurement World Indaba, with over 2,000 professionals from the private and public sectors expected to attend South Africa’s leading procurement and supply chain conference. As global markets become increasingly volatile and tariffs continue to rise, procurement is rapidly transforming from a traditional cost-cutting function into…
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