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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.

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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African Healthcare Leaders to Gather in Ghana to Boost Local Manufacturing Capacity

The recent global cuts in funding are a painful but decisive warning that Africa must accelerate its drive for healthcare and medicines manufacturing self-reliance, the Federation of African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations (FAPMA) says. FAPMA director Skhumbuzo Ngozwana notes that many African health departments are struggling to access to their own health product data which was…

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Jumia Expands Delivery Service Across Nigeria to Enhance E-commerce Logistics

The company is consistently advancing and enhancing its logistics infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a key player in Africa’s rapidly growing e-commerce ecosystem. Jumia has launched its logistics service in Nigeria to boost shipping efficiency and provide greater convenience for customers. With a successful launch in Côte d’Ivoire, Jumia Delivery is set to offer individuals…

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Success Belongs to the Most Adaptive

In today’s complex and volatile supply chain landscape, only adaptive organisations will survive and thrive, says supply chain industry body SAPICS. Business today is marked by disruptions ranging from shifting trade dynamics, geopolitical conflicts, climate catastrophes and energy crises, among many others. An adaptive organisation can quickly adjust its structure and behaviour to the changing…

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Amazon and FedEx Reunite After 7 Years with Strategic New Delivery Partnership

After a seven-year hiatus, Amazon and FedEx have officially re-established their business relationship, signing a multi-year agreement for the residential delivery of select large packages. The renewed partnership marks a strategic move for both logistics giants as they adapt to shifting dynamics in the e-commerce delivery landscape. This announcement comes just weeks after UPS revealed…

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American Companies Honeywell and Teradyne Robotics Team Up to Transform Material Transport

American companies Honeywell and Teradyne Robotics have joined forces to revolutionize automation in logistics, warehousing, and the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector across the Americas and Europe. This strategic partnership integrates Teradyne Robotics’ advanced autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and collaborative robots (cobots) with Honeywell’s industry-leading software, implementation expertise, and cybersecurity capabilities, paving the way for…

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SAPICS Unveils New Board of Directors

Supply chain industry body SAPICS announced its board of directors at the not for profit’s annual general meeting (AGM). Having taken the reins as SAPICS president in February, Thato Moloi will continue to lead SAPICS in this role and as a director on the board. Dr Bonface Fundafunda was elected to join the board at…

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Majority of Food Brands Still Rely on Email and Spreadsheets, Report Finds

Despite 82 percent of companies citing technology adoption as a top business priority, 69 percent still rely on manual systems. A new report from TraceGains highlights that despite the increasing economic pressures, compliance challenges, and material shortages, many food and beverage brands are struggling to modernise their supply chains. This lack of modernisation puts them…

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