In July of 2024, I found myself saying goodbye to my team in Malawi, embarking on a journey to explore “Innovation” at America’s first Agricultural university.
My journey with supply chain management started unintentionally. While I recently pivoted from being a Supply Chain to a Business Development concentration at Michigan State University (MSU), a university globally recognized for its excellence in the field, my time here has sparked a fascination with how supply chains shape economies and industries. This curiosity was born from both my MBA coursework and personal observations of the gaps that exist, particularly in Africa, and how they hinder the continent’s ability to compete on a global scale.
Supply chain management might seem far removed from tech innovation or Africa’s digitization, but the truth is, it’s one of the most critical elements. At its core, supply chain management is about efficiency, connectivity, and resilience—three things Africa desperately needs to achieve its potential in a globalized economy.
The Global Supply Chain and Africa’s Position
Africa is home to over 1.4 billion people and rich natural resources, yet it remains a marginal player in global trade. The World Bank estimates that intra-African trade accounts for just 15% of the continent’s total commerce, compared to 58% in Asia and 67% in Europe. The inefficiencies in Africa’s supply chains—be it logistics, infrastructure, or technology—are significant barriers to growth.
The problem isn’t just about physical goods. In an increasingly digitized world, the movement of ideas, innovation, and data is just as crucial. For Africa to catch up with the rest of the world in tech innovation, we need supply chains that aren’t just efficient but also digitally integrated.
My Interest in Supply Chains and Their Role in Innovation
My fascination with supply chains comes from a broader question I’ve been asking myself: how do we ensure that Africa doesn’t just participate in the global economy but thrives in it? For me, this begins with understanding the flow of goods, services, and ideas across borders. It’s about identifying the gaps—whether in physical infrastructure, digital connectivity, or access to capital—and finding ways to close them.
In tech innovation, supply chain management is even more critical. Consider this: many African countries rely on imported technologies, from smartphones to cloud computing infrastructure. The costs and delays associated with these imports often make technology prohibitively expensive, limiting access and adoption. But what if Africa could establish more efficient supply chains for tech products, or better yet, develop local production ecosystems supported by strong logistics networks?
The Role of Global Sales and Digitization
Global sales and supply chain management go hand in hand. To sell globally, you need supply chains that can deliver your product to any market efficiently and cost-effectively. Africa’s businesses often struggle with this. A lack of reliable infrastructure, fragmented markets, and limited access to global logistics networks mean that many African products never make it to international markets—or if they do, they lose competitiveness due to high costs.
This is where digitization comes in. Technologies like blockchain, AI, and IoT have the potential to revolutionize supply chains, making them more transparent, efficient, and adaptable. Imagine an African farmer being able to track their produce in real time as it moves across borders, ensuring fair pricing and reducing waste. Or a startup in Nairobi using AI to optimize its inventory and logistics, making its products more competitive globally. These are the kinds of solutions that can transform Africa’s supply chains—and by extension, its economy.
What Needs to Happen for Africa to Catch Up
If Africa is to catch up with the rest of the world, several things need to happen:
- Infrastructure Investment: Roads, ports, and warehouses are the backbone of supply chains. Without them, even the most innovative tech solutions will fall short.
- Policy and Regulation: Governments need to create an enabling environment for trade and innovation. This includes simplifying customs procedures, reducing tariffs, and investing in regional trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
- Digital Integration: Supply chains need to be digitized to compete in a global economy. From blockchain for transparency to AI for demand forecasting, technology is no longer optional—it’s essential.
- Education and Talent Development: We need to train the next generation of supply chain professionals, equipping them with the skills to manage both traditional and digital supply chains.
- Partnerships with Global Tech Firms: Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google have the resources and expertise to help digitize Africa’s supply chains. The key is forging partnerships that prioritize local capacity building and knowledge transfer.
The Vision: A Digitally Connected Africa
As someone pursuing a career in business development, my goal is to help Africa bridge these gaps. Whether it’s through partnerships, policy advocacy, or innovation, I want to be part of the movement that ensures Africa doesn’t just catch up but leads in areas like tech innovation and digital transformation.
Supply chain management might not be my academic concentration, but it’s becoming central to my vision for Africa. It’s about more than moving goods—it’s about moving ideas, empowering businesses, and creating opportunities for millions of people. If we can get this right, the possibilities are endless.
A Call to Action
To my fellow innovators, policymakers, and business leaders: let’s rethink what supply chain management can do for Africa. Let’s build systems that aren’t just efficient but transformative, systems that connect the continent to global opportunities while strengthening its local economies. The time to act is now—because the future of Africa isn’t just about catching up. It’s about leading.
With Passion for Africa,
Ntha
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