Supply chains are recalibrating, and the Middle East and Africa are investing aggressively to meet the moment. In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and special guest co-host Yaseen Ahmid welcome Toby Maier, CEO for Middle East and Africa at DHL Global Forwarding, for a wide-ranging conversation on what is changing trade and logistics across the region. Toby breaks down how recent tariffs are redirecting export flows into the Middle East and Africa, why GCC countries are racing to build world-class logistics hubs, and how production is shifting from Turkey toward markets like Egypt and Morocco. They also explore what it will take to build stronger, more reliable supply chains across Africa, from investment in life sciences and healthcare infrastructure to modernized regulation that reduces delays at customs. Toby shares how DHL’s publicly announced $300 million investment through 2030 prioritizes end-to-end capability that helps medicines, vaccines, and other critical products reach communities across a fast-growing population. The conversation also tackles the practical realities of energy access, data centers, and the cost to deliver goods, plus how sustainability efforts like electrified fleets and sustainable aviation fuel can support performance and emissions goals at the same time.   This…

Starting a company is simultaneously incredibly hard work and a joy for most people who set out to do so. On today’s episode of Supply Chain Now, we welcome back former guest Jason Hoch – now CEO of his newly founded company, Wavland. An individual with awards from Apple Podcast and Webby Awards and more than 20 years in the new media space to his name, working for innovative enterprises such as HowStuffWorks, Imperative Entertainment, and Discovery, Hoch joins us to share his insights on going solo to date. Discussions include a consideration of how to scale effectively, the CEO highlighting the need to strike a balance between growth and sustaining a common thread of quality – something he is working towards whilst producing eight shows concurrently. From soulless sandwiches to the therapeutic nature of running, Hoch also highlights many of the ingredients that have enabled him to flourish personally and professionally to this date. With advice on managing projects, navigating change, culture, leadership, storytelling, the importance of authenticity, and more, this one’s worth tuning into. Check out Land Man, starring Billy Bob Thornton, now in production with Taylor Sheridan and Paramount +, based on the Boomtown podcast Jason produced:…