SUPPLY CHAIN

Supply chain sector breaks new ground with founding of Africa-wide body

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Newly formed African Supply Chain Confederation aims to unify and elevate supply chain standards and networks across the continent.

The new African Supply Chain Confederation (ASCON) has officially launched, signalling a pivotal step toward transforming Africa’s supply chain landscape.

Founding members of ASCON at its formation in Accra, Ghana recently

Founding members of ASCON at its formation in Accra, Ghana recently 

With the vision of ‘Unified Professional African Supply Chain Standards and Networks’, ASCON seeks to strengthen Africa’s participation in global trade by fostering professionalism, collaboration and shared growth across the continent.  

 

The organisation 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. 

 

In September 2026, ASCON will hold its first conference at Livingstone in Zambia. The AMC and TICON Africa are scheduled to hold their own conferences at the same time. Livingstone is located on the banks of the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls. 

 

A strategic player in global value chains 

 

“The strategic importance of elevating the role of the supply chain management profession in Africa for economic development cannot be overstated. ASCON is here to ensure that our continent is not just a participant, but a strategic player in global value chains,” states Ronald Mlalazi, President of ASCON. 

 

Mlalazi says ASCON is more than an institution; it is a continental movement to align Africa’s supply chain capabilities with global standards while driving inclusive and sustainable growth.  

 

“By uniting national associations under one professional umbrella, we are positioning Africa for a unified voice to drive reforms across the continent, thereby impacting the people’s lives for growth,” he stresses. 

 

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.’ 

 

To find out more about the African Supply Chain Confederation and its member associations, visit the website. 

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Jason Lottering
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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    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:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.