BSc. Supply Chain and Operations Management Students at the 7th ACOSCM in Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Between 16th and 18th September 2025, fourth-year students undertaking the Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management at Strathmore University attended the 7th African Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management (ACOSCM), held at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

This remarkable opportunity was extended as an award to the top nine students from the Supply Chain Simulation Programme powered by Learn Logistics, recognizing their outstanding performance and practical application of supply chain principles. The conference was supported through the partnership between the Kühne Foundation and Strathmore University Business School (SBS). The students were accompanied by the SBS Associate Dean, Dr. David Mathuva, and their Lecturer, Linda Susan Ingari.

The conference was held under the theme “Shaping Logistics for the Future: Enhancing Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Systems.” The discussions were structured around three sub-themes: Sustainable Supply Chains, Digitalisation, and Trade.

Under the theme of Sustainable Supply Chains, participants engaged with the principles of sustainable management practices and the integration of green logistics initiatives. This included examining how companies reduce carbon footprints, adopt renewable energy solutions, and optimize transportation networks to minimise environmental impact. Case examples highlighted the role of circular economy strategies, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing in building supply chains that are not only efficient but also environmentally and socially responsible.

The Digitalisation theme showcased the rapid transformation of supply chains through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Students gained insights into how digitalisation is enabling real-time tracking, predictive analytics for demand forecasting, automation in warehousing, and greater transparency across the value chain. Emphasis was placed on the challenges of digital adoption in emerging economies, including infrastructure gaps and cybersecurity risks, as well as the opportunities for firms to leapfrog traditional inefficiencies.

The final theme, Trade, focused on the evolving dynamics of regional and global trade, with a particular spotlight on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Discussions highlighted both the opportunities, such as expanded market access, harmonisation of trade policies, and increased competitiveness, and the challenges, including infrastructure deficits, non-tariff barriers, and regulatory inconsistencies across African states. Students were encouraged to reflect on how logistics and supply chain professionals can leverage AfCFTA to foster inclusive growth and strengthen Africa’s role in global trade.

The Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management Programme is designed to integrate supply chain, logistics, operations, and digitization. Special emphasis is placed on Strategic Sourcing, Production, Warehousing, Logistics, Automation, and Sustainability and how they will impact supply chain and operations management in the near and far future.

The 2026 intake of the Programme is ongoing. Register  here

Article by Linda Ingari