Stela Jaqueta

“The term ‘influencer’ has become quite ubiquitous in the online space, especially in social media marketing. What was previously being done by celebrities is now taken over by regular people with large followings on social media platforms,” said Influencer Marketing Hub. The Denmark-based company says it “specializes in producing how-to guides, courses, and research reports in the social media and influencer marketing industry.” How far we’ve come – to the point where there’s an actual influencer marketing industry. Influencer Marketing Hub did say that industry experts and thought leaders “can also be considered influencers in their respective industries. These key opinion leaders have gained respect because of their qualifications, position, or experience in their topic of expertise.” It added that “the opinions of these influencers hold significant weight regardless of their social media follower count.” Supply Chain Media is Transforming to Fit the Needs of a Changing Industry Thankfully, it is the industry experts and thought leaders who are influencing supply chain media rather than TikTok “stars” and the Kardashians. There is now a wealth of supply chain-focused programming keeping industry professionals abreast of the latest trends and innovations. Three Supply Chain Influencers to Watch Vin Vashista, Sofia Rivas, and…

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…