Tom Comstock

For another year, Supply Chain Now Founder, CEO, and Host Scott Luton has been named to the Thinkers360 Top Voices of 2025, a prestigious global recognition honoring influential experts shaping conversations across business and technology. Described as the “definitive list of leading experts,” the Thinkers360 Top Voices Awards celebrate thought leaders who consistently share valuable insights and help advance professional knowledge across industries. Honorees are selected based on demonstrated expertise, impact, and meaningful contributions to the broader thought leadership community. Luton’s inclusion once again highlights his ongoing impact on the global supply chain community – from hosting thousands of interviews with industry leaders to spotlighting innovation, leadership, and the real-world challenges facing operations today. Through Supply Chain Now’s podcasts, livestreams, event coverage, and collaborative content, his work continues to connect practitioners with practical ideas they can immediately apply. As supply chains grow more complex and interconnected, recognition like this reflects not just individual influence, but the strength of a community committed to learning and improvement. Scott’s voice, and the voices he amplifies, continue to help leaders navigate change, build resilience, and move the industry forward. Learn more about Thinkers360 and the Thinkers360 Top Voices award here.

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…