Supply Chains in 2026: Expectations, Risks, and the New Institutional Reality

What supply chain leaders must understand, and do differently in 2026

Supply chains are entering a new phase of structural transformation. After years of disruption driven by pandemics, geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, and trade reconfiguration, supply chains are no longer designed primarily for efficiency and cost minimization. They are evolving into risk-dense systems that must deliver resilience, agility, sustainability, and institutional reliability simultaneously. Persistent and systemic risks, accelerated digitalization, geopolitical realignment, cyber threats, and sustainability pressures are reshaping how supply chains are governed, regulated, financed, and managed. At the same time, governments and public institutions are playing a more active role in defining standards for resilience, ethics, workforce capability, and cross-border coordination. This AISCR-hosted webinar brings together global thought leaders and senior practitioners to examine what these shifts mean for firms, governments, and institutions—and how supply chain strategy must adapt in response.

Why This Webinar Matters

This session provides a strategic and institutional lens on supply chain transformation, moving beyond surface-level trends to examine the deeper structural and governance dynamics shaping 2026.

Participants will gain:

• Strategic insight into how risk, digitalization, and geopolitics are redefining supply chain priorities
• Evidence-based perspectives on institutional and policy responses
• Practical guidance for aligning organizational governance with resilience and sustainability objectives

The webinar also establishes the intellectual foundation for AISCR’s 2026 research, training, and engagement agenda.

Webinar Objectives

The webinar aims to:

• Identify the key structural shifts shaping supply chains in 2026
• Examine how risk has become systemic, rather than episodic
• Explore the evolving role of institutions, policy, and governance
• Highlight implications for leadership, workforce capability, and professionalization
• Provide a shared strategic framing for AISCR’s 2026 programs and initiatives

Key Discussion Themes

• Risk, disruption, and supply chain resilience
• Geopolitics and global trade realignment
• Institutional readiness and governance frameworks
• Digital transformation and data infrastructure
• Sustainability, inclusion, and ethical supply chains
• Workforce capability and leadership development

Speakers

• Evelyn Sam
  Chief Supply Chain Management Officer, Airtigo, Ghana
• Prof. Marcus Ambe
  President, AISCR | Professor of Supply Chain Management, Jackson State University (USA)
• Sibongile Shongwe
  Managing Director, NS Business School
• Dr. Peter Obanda
  Dean, School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Kyambogo University

Who Should Attend

• Academics and researchers
• Government officials and policymakers
• Development partners and donor agencies
• Corporate supply chain, procurement, and risk leaders
• Professional bodies and training institutions
• Graduate and doctoral students

Key Deliverables

Participants will receive:

• Strategic insights on risks and expectations shaping 2026
• Guidance on institutional and organizational preparedness
• Access to the webinar recording and summary brief (AISCR Members)

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026
Time:

3:00 PM SAST

2:00 PM WAT

8:00 AM ET

7:00 AM CT

Format: Virtual (Live Webinar)
Cost: Free
Extras: Free report and certificate of participation

WEBINAR REGISTRATION LINK