Why the Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards Started

Supply chains across Africa are being reshaped by sustainability pressures, public health needs, digital transformation, and the growing recognition that supply chain is ultimately about people.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by special guest host Jenny Froome, Founder and Director of Upavon Management, along with Liesl de Wet, Head of Accelerated Organisational Sustainability at Unitrans and Champion at the Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards (ASCEA), and ASCEA 2025 award winner Angelina Cumba, Manager, Access to Health Products at VillageReach. Together, they explore the major trends shaping African supply chains today, from climate-related disruption and technology adoption to public-private collaboration and the need to strengthen local capabilities.

Scott, Jenny, Liesl, and Angelina also spotlight the fifth anniversary of the Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards and the program's role in celebrating innovation, resilience, and real-world impact across the continent. The conversation highlights why strong supply chains depend on solid fundamentals, continuous improvement, and leadership that is both practical and purpose-driven. From humanitarian success stories and public health transformation to lessons in sustainability and system design, this episode offers a powerful look at how African supply chain leaders are solving complex challenges and creating models worth learning from around the world.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(02:02) Meet the panel and their roles in supply chain leadership

(03:43) Liesl on penguin conservation and sustainability

(06:28) Hobbies and work-life balance

(11:15) Top supply chain trends across Africa

(16:10) Shifts in public health supply chains

(19:55) Why the awards were created

(24:18) Angelina on winning and impact

(26:59) Favorite winner stories

(30:50) The Luke Commission resilience story

(33:45) Leadership lessons in supply chain

(36:40) Awards momentum and community

(37:59) What’s new for the 2026 awards

(52:27) Leadership reflections and connections

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Angelina Cumba: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelina-c-90304124/
2. Connect with Liesl de Wet: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liesl-de-wet-83903419/
3. Connect with Jenny Froome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-froome-ba3b09b/
4. Learn more about the Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards (ASCEA): https://www.ascea.co.za/
5. Learn more about VillageReach: https://www.villagereach.org/
6. Learn more about Unitrans: https://www.unitransafrica.com/
7. Learn more about Upavon Management: https://upavon.co.za/
8. Learn more about the Luke Commission: https://www.lukecommission.org
9. Learn more about Books for Africa: https://www.booksforafrica.org
10. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
11. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
12. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
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This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/celebrating-excellence-leadership-innovation-across-africa-1558