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We're the dedicated experts at Supply Chain First (SCF), focused on solving the real procurement, logistics, and supply chain challenges faced by African professionals and businesses. Our mission is to provide relevant industry updates and actionable strategies that drive growth and build resilience.

SAPICS Launches Inaugural Pitch Parade to Support SMMEs with Innovative Supply Chain Solutions

The 2025 SAPICS Conference, Africa’s leading event for the supply chain profession, saw the debut of an exciting new initiative: the SAPICS Supply Chain Pitch Parade. This was a high-energy competition that celebrated entrepreneurial talent and supply chain innovation, with a first prize valued at R80 000 up for grabs. The initiative was introduced by supply chain…

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Gartner Unveils Top Supply Chain Strategies to Navigate Israel-Iran Conflict Disruptions

As geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, resulting disruptions to critical shipping lanes are reverberating across global supply networks. In response, a new report from Gartner outlines a clear mandate for supply chain leaders to act decisively to protect operational continuity while maintaining a competitive advantage. Rather than responding tactically to short-term disruptions, supply…

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CCI Launches ‘Trans Africa’ to Reimagine Cross-Border Logistics Across the Continent

As African markets gain momentum in the global trade landscape, logistics remains a critical enabler or bottleneck for progress. Recognising both the challenge and the opportunity, CCI Worldwide Logistics, the international freight forwarding arm of the CCI Group, has officially launched ‘Trans Africa’, a tech-powered logistics service designed to reshape how goods move across borders…

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DHL Invests €500 Million to Enhance Healthcare and Logistics Infrastructure in Africa and Middle East

DHL, the world’s leading logistics provider, has unveiled plans to invest more than €500 million in the Middle East by 2030, with a sharp focus on high-growth markets such as Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the group, this significant investment aligns with its Strategy 2030, which emphasizes scaling operations…

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Lagos to Host Africa Supply Chain Development Summit

The summit will serve as a strategic forum for sharing insights and tackling emerging challenges in procurement and supply chain management across Africa. According to a statement, Dr. Clever Ruswa, President of the African Public Procurement Network, is slated to deliver the keynote address at the 7th Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Summit, scheduled for…

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Privatized African Ports Emerging as Powerful Trade Hubs, Study Shows

Calls for privatizing South African ports are gaining momentum, supported by a new study from a leading supply chain firm. Backed by major Western Cape fruit exporters like Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, Link Supply Chain Management highlights tangible results across Africa demonstrating how port privatization has improved efficiency and competitiveness. The group stated that these findings…

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Cape Town Hosts Africa’s Leading Supply Chain Conference, Spotlighting Medicine Access, Port Crisis, AI & Gamification

More than 700 supply chain managers from across Africa and around the world convened in Cape Town this week for the 47th annual SAPICS Conference, Africa’s leading event for the profession. The accessibility of lifesaving medicines in Africa – especially in the wake of global funding cuts – was on the agenda, along with critical topics…

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Emirates Logistics Launches Kenya Operations with New Hub at Tatu City SEZ

Emirates Logistics has unveiled plans to expand into Kenya with the development of a new logistics facility at Tatu City Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a fast-growing industrial and commercial hub near Nairobi. “We are proud to strengthen our presence in Kenya with our expansion to Tatu City, reinforcing Emirates Logistics’ global footprint of comprehensive logistics capabilities,”…

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DHL Report Reveals How AI and Social Media Are Revolutionizing Online Shopping

By 2030, 70% of global consumers are projected to shop mainly via social media platforms, skipping traditional websites altogether. DHL has released its E-Commerce Trends Report 2025, offering a deep dive into the shifting landscape of online shopping. Based on responses from 24,000 consumers across 24 major global markets, the report unpacks the evolving preferences,…

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Dematic and Apex to Showcase Cutting-Edge Automation Solutions at SAPICS 2025

Dematic, a global leader in intelligent automation technology, is set to make its debut at the SAPICS Conference and Exhibition 2025, taking place from 8 to 11 June at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. In partnership with long-time collaborator Apex-RTS, Dematic will showcase advanced warehouse automation solutions tailored to the evolving needs…

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NNPC Ltd to Temporarily Shut Down Port Harcourt Refinery for Planned Maintenance

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced that the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) will undergo a scheduled maintenance shutdown starting May 24, 2025. This planned intervention is part of NNPC’s broader strategy to fully restore refining operations and lessen Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products. As preparations unfold, NNPC Ltd. is…

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