As 2026 takes shape, the pressures facing African supply chain managers are already familiar to truck fleet operators – volatility, cost sensitivity and the constant need to do more with less. Against this backdrop, supply chain industry body SAPICS has offered a timely view on how African supply chains are shifting from a state of “permacrisis” to structural resilience, with direct implications for trucking, logistics and road-based distribution.
The reality is: while boardroom talk of algorithms, resilience and operational reimagining activates new enterprise management strategies, Africa’s supply chains still move on tyres. Road freight remains the execution layer where strategy meets reality, carrying the economic load across long distances, border posts, ports and input-constrained infrastructure. With this truth front-of-mind, here’s the SAPICS African supply chain outlook for 2026.
What 2026 holds for African supply chains
It’s clear that supply chain uncertainty is not going away this year. But while there has been no respite from geopolitical tensions and shifting trade dynamics, the supply chain conversation is changing tone.
After years defined by disruption, firefighting and crisis response, the focus is shifting from survival to structure and from reaction to strategy. For African and South African supply chains in particular, this transition brings both challenges and opportunities.
International research, including the United States-based Association for Supply Chain Management’s (ASCM’s) 2026 supply chain trends report, points to a supply chain future shaped by intelligent, resilient and data-driven operations. These themes take on a distinct meaning on the African continent, where supply chains must operate in environments marked by infrastructure constraints, energy instability, geopolitical complexity and deep socio-economic responsibility.
Moving from a state of “permacrisis”
Over the past five years, supply chain leaders have been operating in what many describe as a state of “permacrisis”. Pandemic aftershocks, geopolitical conflict, climate events, port congestion, skills shortages and cost volatility forced organisations into constant defensive mode.
For 2026, that is changing. Rather than reacting to each new shock, leading organisations are redesigning their supply chains to absorb disruption, adapt dynamically and create long-term value. This is where South African and African supply chain managers, which have long had to build resilience into daily operations, may have a headstart.
AI moves from experiment to essential
Artificial intelligence has been cited as a top supply chain trend for some time. This year, it is at the centre of supply chain optimisation, moving from pilot projects to core infrastructure.
For African supply chains, AI-driven forecasting, demand sensing and scenario modelling are gamechangers that can help mitigate long-standing challenges such as unreliable data, volatile demand and constrained capacity. By synthesising real-time information from across the supply chain – including weather, ports, energy availability and market signals – AI enables faster, better-informed decisions.
Crucially, this is not about replacing people. It is about augmenting human judgement in environments where complexity is high and margins for error are low. But the increasing focus on technology like AI does mean that we will see a supply chain workforce evolution in 2026.
Workforce evolution
Automation and AI are taking over repetitive, transactional tasks, freeing professionals to focus on strategy, analysis and decision-making. Supply chain managers must invest in new skills, including data literacy, systems thinking, scenario planning and cross-functional leadership.
In Africa, this transformation has a powerful social dimension. Building future-ready supply chains means developing local talent, creating sustainable jobs and ensuring that technological advancement supports inclusive growth.
Geopolitics, regionalisation and “Anywhere-but-China”
With changing global trade patterns, the familiar “China + 1” supply chain strategy is evolving into a broader ‘Anywhere-but-China’ approach, as organisations diversify sourcing and production to reduce risk. This is driving increased regionalisation and supply chain rewiring.
This trend presents a strategic opportunity for Africa. As global companies seek alternative manufacturing and sourcing locations, African countries that invest in infrastructure, skills and policy certainty can position themselves as viable regional hubs. South Africa, with its established logistics capability and access to regional markets, has a critical role to play.
At the same time, supply chain managers must navigate increasing trade complexity, localisation requirements and geopolitical risk. Success will depend on network design, supplier diversification and strong regional partnerships.
Climate, circularity and cost precision
Climate risk and circularity are moving rapidly up the supply chain agenda. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) expectations are increasingly influencing investment decisions, customer relationships and regulatory frameworks.
For African supply chains, climate resilience is not abstract. Extreme weather events, water scarcity and energy instability already affect operations. In 2026, organisations that integrate sustainability into network design, sourcing and logistics will be better positioned to manage both risk and reputation. At the same time, cost optimisation is evolving. Rather than blunt cost-cutting, leaders are adopting precision strategies that balance efficiency, resilience and sustainability.
A defining year for African supply chains
With 2026 already shaping up to be a defining year for supply chains globally and particularly for Africa and South Africa, we emphasize the importance of education and knowledge sharing for everyone involved in supply chain management at any level.
“In today’s complex and rapidly evolving supply chain landscape, all supply chain roles must be filled by people with the requisite knowledge, skills and qualifications,” the organisation concludes.
Editor’s comment: When supply chains falter, it is often first felt in the cab of a truck – at border queues, congested ports, damaged roads or distribution warehouses waiting on delayed inventory. As SAPICS points to a shift from crisis response to structural resilience, fleet operators and logistics managers sit at the sharp edge of that transition.
Data-driven planning, AI-enabled forecasting, regionalisation and climate resilience are no longer abstract management concepts – they are fast becoming the determinants of vehicle utilisation, route efficiency, driver well-being and long-term fleet viability across Africa’s road freight networks.
As such, South Africa’s road freight industry cannot afford to be ‘outside the room’ in national and continental supply chain management strategy formulation. Greater involvement in the broader supply chain conversation is essential to ensure the trucking sector’s interests are best served.
The annual SAPICS Conference is the leading event in Africa for supply chain professionals and is now in its 48th year. The 2026 SAPICS Conference takes place in Cape Town from 19 to 22 July 2026.
Click on photograph to enlarge
