From The Desk Of The President

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the African Institute for Supply Chain Research (AISCR). AISCR is the first Inter-Institutional Pan African dedicated non-profit, research institute that conducts innovative supply chain research and disseminate solutions to support continental-wide sustainable development and inclusive growth. The institute also aims to create a centre of knowledge and excellence for supply chain management (SCM). The establishment of the institute was motivated by the fact that globally, research into the supply chain has received great interest across industry, government and the research community. However, it remains under-researched and currently, only a few institutions on the continent offer supply chain degrees. The establishment of AISCR as an institute of knowledge and centre of excellence for SCM is beneficial to supply chain professionals, government and organisations. The research institute aims to support the strategic priorities of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and Africa Agenda 2063, “the Africa we want”.

The inaugural launch of the research institute was held at the University of South Africa (Unisa) Kgorong Function Hall, Pretoria, South Africa on the 13^th August 2019. The governance and leadership of AISCR comprised of Board of Directors, Executive Management and Working Committees. AISCR made strides in 2019 by forming strategic partnerships thereby signing various memorandums (MoUs) and formalising relationships with its strategic partners. Some of the institutions where MoUs were signed include the University of South Africa (Unisa); University of Fort Hare, North West University as well as the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). Further MoU discussions with other strategic partners are underway.

In 2019, a three-year strategic plan (2020-2022) was developed as well as the 2020 annual strategic plan. Our vision is to put research and development in motion, particularly in the SCM environment. Elevation of SCM due to its strategic role in organisations and continent is critical. In 2020, our focus is to:

• Influence and shape SCM policy decision and bottom line through research – to address socio-economic challenges in Africa;
• Conduct fact-based research – contribute towards SCM Professionalisation
• Provide research support to improve masters and doctoral completion rate;
• Build SCM capacity and capabilities towards good governance and accountability.

We look forward to collaborating with organisations of goodwill to advance socio-economic development in Africa.

Yours sincerely