Supply Chain Leadership Across Africa: Breaking Down Silos and Building Bridges

Africa is open for business! In this new episode in the Supply Chain Leadership Across Africa Series on Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton & special guest host MJ Schoemaker dive into the dynamic landscape of Africa's supply chain industry alongside Thato Moloi, a head of contract logistics in Southern Africa and the islands, and Vanya Jansen, Managing Director of Optigrow. Listen in to learn how collaboration, innovation, and resilience are driving transformational change within the continent's supply chain sectors. The team also discusses the crucial role of empathetic leadership, the importance of sharing ideas for sustainable solutions, and how embracing technology and collaboration can position Africa as a global supply chain leader. Jump into the conversation:00:00 Introducing MJ, Thato, and Vanya13:59 Leadership development and coaching17:41 Why successful collaboration is key in supply chain23:00 South Africa avoids load shedding through coalition24:45 Standardization and adaptability in supply chain challenges29:03 AI challenges require caution, backup plans33:32 Adapting leadership style to fit specific situations37:39 The power of giving back and adapting during Covid44:45 African supply chain insights51:05 Africa’s great potential for economic growth.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with MJ Schoemaker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mj-schoemaker-cscp-cpf-a1bb781/ Connect with Thato Moloi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thato-moloi-mba-5132b7122/ Connect with Vanya Jansen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanya-jansen-cscp-00159936/ Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk WEBINAR- Beyond Resilience: Capitalizing on Supply Chain Uncertainty: https://bit.ly/46kdltYWEBINAR- 5 Key Considerations for Supply Chain Marketing Pros in 2025: https://bit.ly/3MtnoDXWEBINAR- Optimizing Procurement Operations with Group Purchasing Organizations: https://bit.ly/3yKnaVBWEBINAR- Mastering Shipping: Insider Tips for Reliable and Cost-Effective Deliveries: https://bit.ly/3XdC3t5This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and MJ Schoemaker and produced by Amanda Luton and Joshua Miranda. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/supply-chain-leadership-across-africa-breaking-down-silos-building-bridges-1315 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at [email protected]© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.