SUPPLY CHAIN

African supply chain body discusses theme of inaugural conference

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2026

Achieving global relevance for the continent’s supply chain sector will be brought about by structure, standards, strategy and execution.

The recently formed African Supply Chain Confederation (ASCON) has revealed the theme for its inaugural conference taking place in September: ‘Africa Rising: Converting Strengths into Global Impact with Supply Chain.’ 

Image by Freepik

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. 

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Jason Lottering
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    Dr Kin Kariisa

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    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
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