On 16–18 September 2025, the Department of Industrial Engineering at Stellenbosch University, in partnership with conference sponsor LEARN Logistics | by Kühne Foundation, hosted the 7th African Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management (ACOSCM) at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS).
This year’s conference brought together academics, researchers, postgraduate students, policymakers, and practitioners from 14 African countries and beyond. Over three days, delegates shared insights, debated critical issues, and built connections that will shape the future of logistics and supply chain management across Africa.
Conference Theme: Shaping Logistics for the Future
The theme of ACOSCM 2025, “Shaping Logistics for the Future: Enhancing Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Systems,” reflected the urgency of rethinking supply chains in an era of climate change, geopolitical disruption, and technological transformation.
Aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, discussions highlighted how Africa can leverage logistics and supply chains to drive economic growth, sustainability, and resilience.
Key Themes and Discussions
Throughout the conference, participants explored pressing issues shaping the sector:
- Digitalisation & Industry 5.0 – Harnessing AI, machine learning, and human-centric technologies to make supply chains more innovative and more sustainable.
- Sustainability & Circular Economy – From cold chains in perishables to CO₂ reduction strategies, the focus was on greener, low-waste supply chains.
- Trade & AfCFTA – Unlocking opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area and tackling the logistics challenges of regional integration.
These debates highlighted both the challenges and opportunities shaping African and global supply chains today.
From Theory to Practice: Industry Site Visits
Building on these discussions, participants connected theory with practice during industry site visits on 18 September across the Western Cape.
Delegates visited:
- DSV Warehouse – exploring large-scale logistics and warehousing innovations.
- FPT (Fruit Terminal) – gaining insights into perishable goods handling and cold chain logistics.
- Golden Arrow Bus Services – learning about passenger transport operations and fleet management.
- Maersk – engaging with one of the world’s leading shipping and integrated logistics companies.
- Robertson & Caine (Boat Builders) – understanding supply chain processes in specialised manufacturing.
- Takealot (E-Commerce DC operation) – observing the fast-paced world of e-commerce distribution and fulfilment.
These visits brought the conference themes to life, allowing delegates to see innovation, sustainability, and complexity in action.
Inspiring Contributions
The conference was enriched by the dedication and insights of many.
✨ Our gratitude goes to:
- Keynote speakers and panellists: Werner Van Rooyen, Nicolé Mey, Ian Bird, Cobus Rossouw, Vanya Jansen, and Retief Gerber, whose contributions sparked engaging and thought-provoking dialogue.
- Executive & Organising Committee: Prof. Leila Goedhals-Gerber, Prof. Joubert Van Eeden, Dr Lester Brian Shawa, and Jorida Gjergji, for their tireless leadership in shaping the event.
- The Scientific Board and sponsor: LEARN Logistics | by Kühne Foundation, for their commitment to advancing supply chain scholarship and practice in Africa.
Looking Ahead
ACOSCM 2025 was more than a conference — it was a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. It reaffirmed that Africa has the expertise, energy, and vision to lead in designing supply chains that are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.
Hosting ACOSCM was both an honour and a proud moment for Stellenbosch Industrial Engineering. Looking forward, we aim to build on the momentum of this year’s event, strengthening networks and advancing research that will shape the logistics of tomorrow.
Celebrating Research Excellence: Best Papers & Best Presentations
To close the event, ACOSCM 2025 recognised outstanding research contributions through two award categories, presented across the three thematic tracks.
- Best Papers – celebrating excellence in research rigour and originality.
- Best Presentations – honouring impactful delivery and engagement during sessions.
Best Presentations
- Digital Track: Lusekelo Kasongwa
- Sustainable Supply Chains Track: Faith Nabwile Barasa
- African Trade Track: Olawale Ibrahim Olateju
Best Papers
- 3rd Best Paper (Shared)
- Temperature and Citrus Quality in South African Exports: A Systematic Review of Historical Data Utilization in Postharvest Research
- Lead Author: Makhosazana Ngwenya
- Co-authors: Leila Goedhals-Gerber, Louis Louw
- Describing the Battery-Driven Electric Freight Vehicle Ecosystem Elements towards Achieving Renewable Vehicle Transition
- Lead Author: Talitha Pretorius
- Co-authors: Joubert van Eeden, Chinenye Okafor
- 2nd Best Paper
- Simulation Driven Comprehensive Performance Analysis of Cold Chain Logistics for Export Flowers in Emerging Economies: Insights from Ethiopia Floriculture Industry
- Lead Author: Abadi Gugusa
- Co-authors: Ian Jenkinson, Ben Matellini, Chia-Hsun Chang, Rob Darlington
- Best Paper
- Voice Notes and Vendor Lists: Exploring the Role of Everyday Mobile Tools in Digitally Transforming Informal Logistics Networks in Urban Tanzania
- Lead Author: Lusekelo Kasongwa
- Co-authors: Enock Mwakalila, SelelaMwakalila
- Voice Notes and Vendor Lists: Exploring the Role of Everyday Mobile Tools in Digitally Transforming Informal Logistics Networks in Urban Tanzania
- Simulation Driven Comprehensive Performance Analysis of Cold Chain Logistics for Export Flowers in Emerging Economies: Insights from Ethiopia Floriculture Industry
- Temperature and Citrus Quality in South African Exports: A Systematic Review of Historical Data Utilization in Postharvest Research
These awards celebrated both scholarly depth and presentation excellence, highlighting the innovative research and impactful delivery that continue to drive African supply chain scholarship forward.
