AISCR 2024 Conference resolved to Establish a Pan African Supply Chain Management Federation

The inaugural AISCR Pan African Supply Chain Management Conference, held from October 23-25, 2024, in collaboration with the University of Nairobi and the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM), concluded with a landmark decision: to establish a Pan-African Supply Chain Management Federation. This federation aims to lead and champion the professionalization of supply chain management across Africa, addressing the growing demand for structured, standardized practices within the industry.

Key Resolution and Panel Insights

The resolution to form this federation emerged from a high-level panel discussion titled “Supply Chain Management Transformation and Professionalization in Africa.” Moderated by Prof. Marcus Ambe, Professor of Supply Chain Management at Jackson State University, USA and the President and Founder of AISCR, the panel brought together prominent leaders in African supply chain management and professionalization. The panel included:

• John Karani, Chair of one of Africa’s leading supply chain professional organizations.
• Simon Annan, President of the Ghana Institute for Procurement and Supply.
• Clever Ruswa, CEO of the Zimbabwean Public Procurement Authority.
• Dr. Peter Obanda, Executive Dean of Kyambogo University.
• Sibongile Shongwe, Managing Director and Founder of the NS Business School, South Africa.

Consensus on Professionalization

During the panel, participants reached a consensus on the urgent need for a federation that would foster and standardize professional practices in supply chain management across the continent. This federation would advocate for best practices, professional training standards, and a unified regulatory framework, helping to elevate the quality and effectiveness of supply chain operations in Africa. This movement aligns with Africa’s growing economic landscape and the increasing importance of robust, efficient supply chains in supporting sustainable development.

The panelists discussed the challenges of fragmentation within the profession, noting that while individual countries have made strides in professionalizing supply chain management, there remains a need for a coordinated, pan-African approach. They emphasized that a federation could provide a platform for unified standards, professional development, and recognition, facilitating collaboration across borders and enabling the continent to better navigate global supply chain challenges.

Next Steps

With the resolution adopted, AISCR and its partners will begin the process of laying down the structural and operational frameworks for this federation. The collaboration with key educational institutions, such as the University of Nairobi, as well as national bodies like KISM, will be essential to ensure that the federation is built on a foundation of knowledge, experience, and commitment to the profession’s advancement.

Impact and Future of the Federation

This federation promises to transform Africa’s supply chain sector by:

• Standardizing Professional Practices: Creating consistent standards across African countries, enhancing the integrity and quality of the profession.
• Increasing Global Competitiveness: Enabling African supply chains to compete internationally through improved efficiencies and regulatory coherence.
• Supporting Economic Growth: Fostering a professional supply chain network that supports local industries, boosts employment, and strengthens economic resilience.
• Driving Innovation and Sustainability: Promoting practices that are both innovative and sustainable, aligned with global standards and best practices.

Establishing a Pan-African Supply Chain Management Federation marks a pivotal step toward a unified, professionalized supply chain sector across Africa, set to elevate the continent’s role on the global stage.