According to industry insights from South Africa’s supply chain professional body SAPICS, 2026 marks a significant shift in how supply chains operate across Africa. After several years defined by disruption and uncertainty, the focus is moving away from constant crisis response toward long-term structure, resilience, and strategic design. While geopolitical tensions, climate risk, and changing…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Businesses that do not adapt to ongoing disruptions risk extinction. This was the message delivered by world-renowned supply chain expert and author Carol Ptak at this year’s 47th annual SAPICS Conference, the leading event in Africa for the supply chain profession. More than 700 supply chain managers convened in Cape Town for the conference, to…
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…
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…
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…
Nigeria has cut down on petrol imports as it ramps up domestic refining capacity, with the Dangote Refinery playing a major role in boosting production. According to Business Insider Africa, South Africa has surpassed Nigeria to become Africa’s largest importer of petrol, signalling a major shift in the continent’s energy trade dynamics. The new report…
South Africa’s supply chain sector is vital to the country’s economy but faces a skills gap that is threatening growth, says supply chain industry body SAPICS. In response to growing concerns over the shortage of supply chain talent, the upcoming Conference in Cape Town will place a strong emphasis on developing the next generation of…
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…
The company says it is gaining strong momentum across South Africa, including in townships and rural areas, thanks to strategic local partnerships. As South Africa experiences a surge in demand for on-demand shopping, consumers are seeking more convenience, affordability, and speed, all while navigating supply challenges. To address these needs, The SPAR Group launched its…
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…
Despite global trade uncertainties, citrus exports are set to grow by 3.6% in the 2025 season, with volumes expected to reach 171.1 million 15kg cartons. Logistics News reported that South Africa’s citrus exports are projected to grow by 3.6% compared to last year’s final figures, a notable achievement amid a turbulent global trade landscape. With…
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