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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.

South Africa Announces Major Logistics and Rail Investment Plan to Boost Economic Growth

As Transport Minister Barbara Creecy unveils an ambitious investment plan, South Africa’s struggling logistics and rail sector is set for a major transformation. Aimed at improving freight efficiency, attracting private sector investment, and driving economic growth, this bold initiative marks a crucial step toward revitalizing the country’s transport infrastructure. Years of derailments, inefficiencies, and port…

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Trump’s New Tariffs: Impact on Global Supply Chains & What Professionals Must Know

Companies are reassessing their sourcing, production, and logistics strategies to adapt to the new tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada have officially taken effect—an unprecedented move aimed at pressuring America’s top trading partners. The administration justified the decision, citing insufficient efforts by both countries to curb fentanyl trafficking…

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Transforming Africa’s Supply Chain: Insights from Adenike Onasoga on Collaboration, Technology, and Sustainability

Adenike Onasoga is a global supply chain leader, business executive, and author of World’s first supply chain children’s book “Semira and the Toy Trailblazers”. Recognised as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Supply Chain and 30 African Women Inspiring Innovative Solutions by Supply Chain Africa, Adenike is a thought leader shaping the future…

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Nigeria’s NNPC Shipping, Stena Bulk, and Caverton Unveil Joint Venture to Strengthen the Energy and Maritime Sectors

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Shipping, Stena Bulk, and Caverton Marine Limited have officially signed a groundbreaking joint venture to transform Nigeria’s maritime transportation sector. Announced yesterday, this strategic partnership is set to boost shipping operations, energy logistics, and marine services, positioning Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s maritime industry. The agreement, signed…

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Gartner Report: 71% of Supply Chains Are Unprepared for Future Challenges

Without a clear strategic vision, companies face uncertainty, while those with a strong plan will stay ahead. A Gartner survey found that only 29% of supply chain organizations have built the critical capabilities needed to tackle future challenges. The research emphasizes that companies taking a long-term, strategic approach are better equipped for success, unlike those…

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Maersk and Castlery Sign 10-Year Logistics Partnership to Drive Global Expansion

Maersk, a global leader in logistics services, has strengthened its partnership with Castlery, the Singapore-founded international furniture brand, through a 10-year ocean and integrated logistics service agreement. This long-term collaboration will support Castlery’s ambitious global expansion plans. “Our goal is to bring Castlery’s brand of thoughtfully designed, high-quality furniture to homes worldwide. But scaling a…

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University of Kigali and LEARN Logistics Partner to Transform Rwanda’s Supply Chain Sector

In January 2025, LEARN Logistics by Kühne Foundation, a globally recognized advocate for sustainable logistics and supply chain education, announced a strategic partnership with the University of Kigali. This collaboration was formalized through a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at advancing logistics and supply chain management in Rwanda. The partnership seeks to establish a…

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Boom Ahead: Shipping Container Market to Soar, Doubling in Value by 2032 from $8.7 Billion to $16.1 Billion

The shipping container market is expected to grow from approximately $8.7 billion in 2022 to around $16.1 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032 according to Market Research Biz Overview of the Shipping Containers Market The shipping containers market encompasses the global…

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DHL Group and Neste strengthen collaboration to reduce logistics emissions

● Companies will jointly evaluate how Neste’s renewable solutions may support DHL Group in making its entire logistics chain as sustainable as possible ● Collaboration aims at leveraging renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel to decarbonize DHL’s transportation Bonn, February 5, 2025: To further strengthen their collaboration on reducing emissions in logistics, DHL Group and…

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Surging Online Returns—Which Countries Are Leading the Trend?

Retailers are managing rising return costs with stricter policies and AI-driven reverse logistics. Return shipping comes with substantial economic, environmental, and logistical challenges. As e-commerce continues to expand, so does the frequency of product returns, significantly impacting retailers and supply chains worldwide. India Leads in Online Returns According to Statista Consumer Insights, India has the…

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Prosper Africa and Afreximbank Partner to Strengthen U.S.-Africa Trade Opportunities

According to Afreximbank, Prosper Africa and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost trade and investment between the United States and Africa in key sectors. This strategic partnership aims to leverage the unique strengths of both organisations to mobilise trade opportunities and investment capital, focusing on creative industries,…

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Nigerian Manufacturers Grapple with a Crisis of Nearly $1 Billion in Unsold Inventory in 2024

Africa’s most populous country continues to battle inflation as government economic reforms impact the manufacturing sector. Nigeria’s rising inflation rate continues to weaken household purchasing power, making many essential and non-essential goods out of reach for a significant portion of the population. This trend has resulted in a 12.9% increase in the inventory of unsold…

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Emirates SkyCargo soars into 2025 with a 15% surge in capacity to meet rising global demand

According to Emirates Sky Cargo, Throughout 2024, the demand for its specialist product portfolio, extensive global network and all-widebody fleet continued to grow exponentially, with no signs of slowing down. To meet the burgeoning global demand, the airline has wet-leased two additional Boeing 747 freighters, starting 2025 with a 15% increase in critical main deck…

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