African supply chain body discusses theme of inaugural conference

It is more than a statement; it is a call to responsibility, says Dr Simon Annan, Chairman of the Advisory Board of ASCON, in a LinkedIn post. 

“Across our continent, we speak often of potential. Yet potential alone does not command global relevance. What commands global relevance is structure. Standards. Strategy. Execution,” he states. 

“Supply chain is the silent architecture behind every thriving economy. It determines how efficiently we move goods, how transparently we manage resources, how competitively we participate in global trade and how sustainably we industrialise.” 

According to Dr Annan, Africa’s strengths are undeniable:  

• A rapidly growing and youthful population. 

• Expanding continental trade frameworks. 

• Increasing technological adoption. 

• Resilient and innovative entrepreneurs. 

Adds Dr Annan: “The task before us is conversion – translating these strengths into global influence through disciplined systems and professional collaboration across borders. 

“African Supply Chain Confederation (ASCON) stands at the intersection of policy, professionalism and continental cooperation.  

“Our focus is clear: to elevate standards, strengthen collaboration among national institutes and position Africa’s supply chain ecosystem as a global force.” 

Position Africa at the heart of global value chains 

The 2026 ASCON Conference focuses on unlocking strength, driving collaboration and shaping strategies that position Africa at the heart of global value chains. It takes place from 23-25 September at Livingstone in Zambia. 

ASCON was founded in Accra, Ghana, on 22 August 2025 during the joint conferences of the African Marketing Confederation (AMC) and Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa). 

Several leading supply chain experts were present in Accra to observe the inner workings of the marketing and IT confederations, both of which have made good progress in developing and uniting their respective professions across Africa. The intention is that all three bodies will collaborate closely, given the rapid evolution and convergence of marketing, IT and supply chain. 

ASCON’s stated mission is ‘To foster a cohesive African supply chain ecosystem grounded in professionalism, a standard of practice, education and competence, powered by collaborative networks that deliver mutual benefit and continental impact through professional bodies.’ 

You can find out more about the African Supply Chain Confederation and its 2026 Conference here.