Leading the way through sustainable supply chain development

An economically powerful Africa is possible through strategic industrial sourcing and changing consumer buying behaviours.

Supply chain management is simply about having a win-win shared vision in a value chain.

To build wealth that transcends generations you need to think beyond yourself.

Limited understanding of supply chain management is a reason for the de-industralisation of the continent.

Do your homework to appreciate what you have before going into negotiations.

There is no such thing as free money or aid.

Trusting one another is one of the keys to long-term socio-economic freedom.

Without a common understanding of supply chain management and its implications, the entire continent will continue to struggle to economically emancipate itself.

Long-term socio-economic transformation starts with you.

I am who I am today because of what someone sacrificed for me.

By just sitting back and hoping for change you are denying your own self and the African child a better socio-economic future.

We are constantly told to think outside the box. The big question is…who gave you that box that is being used as a reference point?

Having self-respect, knowledge and purpose helps in navigating the complex journey of life.

In addition to exporting raw materials and human capital, Africa is increasingly exporting hard currency to support the continent’s insatiable desire for goods made outside of the continent.

For Africa to truly industrialise the definition of local must shift from national to regional and continental boundaries.

The journey of life is not necessarily about how you started. Rather it is how you finished.

There is a supply chain associated with every product or service. You just need to have a strategy and plan to develop and manage it.

Buying behaviours and industrialisation are inextricably linked.

Human beings by nature are risk averse and will not take chances with people they do not know and trust.

Some people use money to make a difference. Others use knowledge and experience to effect long-term positive change.

What you chose to buy based on price has an impact on a country’s long-term industrial development.

I may not have money to give you but I certainly have knowledge and experience to help you change your attitude towards long-term wealth creation.

Long-term economic growth, company, industry and national competitiveness are achieved through supply chain management thinking.

Accepting hard truths and realities can change individual attitudes and society as a whole.

As a continent we have to have a common supply chain and industralisation plan. Otherwise our so-called developmental partners will determine it for us but to benefit them.

What I am doing is not for me but for the African child. I was once an African child.

Cheapest price does not always equate to the best value for money for business and/or society

Do not bargain with your supply chain resources for short-term price gains. Rather negotiate with these assets for long-term wealth creation benefits.

The long-term success of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is dependent on the region embracing supply chain management thinking.

I can only be happy when I see the youth and children around me also happy.

Mindset change is the greatest challenge facing Africa’s economic emancipation drive.

Beware of the ides of aid.

You have to be able to logistically move whatever you produce timeously, otherwise there is no need to produce it.

Accepting hard truths and realities can change individual attitudes and society as a whole.

Economic empowerment is about trust and value-add and not colour-add.

Made in Ghana or South Africa or Kenya still creates artificial boundaries. We must rather promote Made in Africa.

Throwing money at poverty related issues may yield short-term benefits but may make matters worse.

Supply chain management thinking and the continent’s long-term industralisation are inextricably linked.

Africans may be surrounded by poverty but the continent is certainly not poor.

Our ancestors selflessly strived to build a better future for us. Therefore we are duty bound to at least try to better what was started for the next generation.

Economic empowerment is about long-term wealth creation and not about short-term materialistic entitlement.

Do not always blame the government for your woes. Sometimes also critically look at yourself in the mirror and ask what role you have played in creating the woes.

Negotiating and bargaining are two different concepts.

De-industrialisation is mainly caused by consuming what you do not produce.

Any country in Africa that through the governing party believes they can economically go it alone is leading its people down the wrong path.

Supply chain management decisions made today have a direct impact on you, your organisation, local industries and the future of the African child.

The mere fact that I may not live to see my dream does not mean I should abandon my dreams for the African child.

As a consumer, do not just buy; rather strategically procure to support local and regional value-adding supply chains.

Understanding your supply chain gives you the competitive edge.

The Africa Beyond Aid agenda starts with you.

You know and understand your problem. You are the only one that can solve it.

Our destiny is in our own hands.

As a business leader when you think South African your market is just under 60 million people. However when you think African your market is just under 1 billion people.

Africa as individual nations is economically insignificant. Africa as one economic block is already an economic giant.