Rear Admiral Danelle Barrett, United States Navy, Retired

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…

How nearshoring, trade policy shifts, and digital infrastructure are transforming strategies in an era of disruption Global supply chains are being tested like never before. Rising tariffs, shifting trade policies, and the push for sustainability have accelerated a new era of resilience. Businesses are no longer simply reacting to disruptions—they’re proactively reconfiguring their networks with nearshoring, diversification, and advanced technology. The latest white paper from DP World explores how companies across the Americas are turning volatility into opportunity by investing in regional supply chains, leveraging economic zones, and adopting digital innovation to stay competitive in a fragmented global market. Download your copy today to see how you can position your business for strength and agility.   What You’ll Learn: This white paper provides actionable insights for supply chain leaders navigating geopolitical, economic, and technological change. Inside, you’ll discover: ✔ Why resilience now outweighs efficiency: 88% of businesses plan to reconfigure supply chains in 2025. ✔ How trade policies are driving regionalization: New U.S. tariffs are reshaping sourcing strategies and opening opportunities in Latin America. ✔ Where investment is accelerating growth: Nearshoring fueled $36B in foreign investment in Mexico in 2024, with DP World investing $2.5B in logistics infrastructure across Latin…