A month into the new year and one thing is clear – supply chain uncertainty is not going anywhere in 2026, says SAPICS.
However, South Africa’s professional body for the supply chain industry remarks that, while there has been no respite from geopolitical tensions and shifting trade dynamics, the industry 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.”
SAPICS adds that international research, including the US-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.
The body further notes that 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.
Over the past five years, supply chain leaders have been operating in what many describe as a state of “permacrisis”, SAPICS says.
Pandemic aftershocks, geopolitical conflict, climate events, port congestion, skills shortages and cost volatility forced organisations into constant defensive mode.
So far into 2026, that has changed.
“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.”
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, SAPICS explains.
“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, according to SAPICS.
“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.”
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.
SAPICS says 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.”
Then there’s the weather – always the weather.
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.
SAPICS notes that 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.”
With 2026 already shaping up to be a defining year for supply chains globally, and particularly for Africa and South Africa, SAPICS emphasises 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 states.
