James Wilson

Special Guest Blog Post written by Stela Jaqueta   In today’s fast-changing world, Africa’s role in global supply chains is at a tipping point. For too long, the continent has been viewed primarily as a source of raw materials rather than as a strategic partner in value creation. But what if we reimagined everything, from policies and technologies to mindsets and sustainability practices, through an Africa-centered lens? In this blog post, I explore five questions that challenge conventional supply chain thinking. From redefining Africa’s place at the global negotiation table, to elevating cultural intelligence from “soft skill” to strategic necessity, to designing climate-restorative logistics and embracing the digital revolution in a way that includes youth-led and informal businesses, each question is a call to rethink, redesign, and re-center. 1. What would a truly Africa-centered global supply chain look like? A truly Africa-centered global supply chain would shift from a model of extraction to one of empowerment and value creation. It would prioritize investment in local manufacturing, infrastructure, and knowledge transfer, ensuring that raw materials sourced from Africa are processed, packaged, and innovated on the continent. African-led businesses are seen as power players, with a voice and authority at the negotiation…

We are proud to announce that Scott Luton, Founder and CEO of Supply Chain Now, has once again been recognized as the #1 Global Thought Leader and Influencer on Supply Chain for 2025 by Thinkers360—marking his second consecutive year at the very top of this prestigious list. This exceptional distinction reaffirms Scott’s ongoing leadership and influence in the global supply chain arena. Under his dynamic stewardship, Supply Chain Now has grown into an award-winning digital content platform—delivering podcasts, livestreams, webinars, and virtual events that resonate across more than 60 countries. Scott’s voice continues to shape and empower the industry, inspiring professionals worldwide with insights that drive innovation and progress. Learn more here.