As the logistics landscape across southern Africa continues to shift, Unitrans is positioning itself at the forefront of transformation by investing in digital technologies that address the region’s operational challenges and unlock new efficiencies. From predictive analytics to sustainable agri-solutions, the company is focused on leveraging innovation to deliver long-term value for clients.
“The future of logistics in sub-Saharan Africa will be defined by innovation, agility and a customer-centric approach,” says Edwin Hewitt, CEO of Unitrans. “At Unitrans, we are committed to driving innovation, with technology and industry-specific expertise forming the backbone of our operations, enabling us to deliver value to our clients.”
With technological advances accelerating, supply chain industry analysts expect artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and the Internet of Things (IoT) to transform how logistics companies manage inventory, optimise routing and monitor fleets.
“We are seeing how AI and machine learning allow us to predict demand fluctuations and adjust routes more accurately, while IoT gives us real-time visibility of goods and vehicle performance,” explains Hewitt. “These technologies help us make faster decisions and improve reliability across the supply chain.”
As cost pressures mount and market demands evolve, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is emerging as a game-changer.
“We’ve adopted RPA to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency,” says Hewitt. “This frees up our teams to focus on delivering customer value, rather than being bogged down by administrative workloads.”
Unitrans has developed an adaptive Enterprise Architecture framework to ensure its ICT infrastructure evolves in step with the changing African operating environment.
“The growth of business lies in the seamless integration of Information and Communication Technology with operational excellence,” Hewitt explains. “By embracing innovation and leveraging the combined power of these disciplines, Unitrans delivers the necessary solutions and remains ahead of the curve.”
One of the clearest illustrations of this is in agriculture, where Unitrans is deploying drones, autonomous machines and Variable Rate Technology (VRT) to transform the agricultural logistics value chain.
Beyond the farm, last-mile delivery remains a key focus, particularly as mobile money and digital payment platforms become more embedded in regional economies.
“Mobile integration is allowing for smoother, quicker transactions across the logistics network,” notes Hewitt. “However, its uptake in the corporate sector still depends on financial viability and stakeholder alignment.”
With sustainability rising on the agenda, Unitrans sees green logistics as both a necessity and an opportunity.
“We are working towards simplified, digital-first operating models that reduce environmental impact and allow for ongoing optimisation without disruption to day-to-day operations,” says Hewitt.
Customer always the core focus
Customer collaboration is another hallmark of Unitrans’ strategy. “We continuously engage and collaborate with our customers to understand their evolving requirements and develop tailored solutions that address their specific challenges,” says Hewitt. “Our agile approach means we can test and refine innovations quickly, helping us respond in real time to their needs.”
Unitrans remains committed to driving innovation that is both scalable and locally relevant. “Our commitment is to remain a trusted partner for our customers, shaping the future of logistics through tailored solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities of sub-Saharan Africa,” concludes Hewitt.
Ends
