Sustainability and efficiency are no longer viewed as trade-offs in modern logistics. In diverse and challenging markets such as Sub-Saharan Africa, trying to achieve sustainability and efficiency goals at the same time demands intentional transport mode decisions, data-driven route planning, and disciplined load optimisation.
South Africa's logistics sector has faced years of port backlogs, rail disruptions, and supply chain strains from factors outside most operators' control. Now, in 2026, structural changes and emerging tools are starting to steady the course, opening space for shippers and carriers to address ongoing challenges together.
Archie Vermeulen is an industry veteran who previously headed national logistics operations for Vodacom as well as Cell C. During our visit to record a video tour of RAM’s new facility (view it here), we spent some extra time chatting to Archie and he shared some insights on people, process & equipment in warehousing. There were some real nuggets in the 9 minutes that we recorded and if you’re involved in warehousing operations, we encourage you to listen to it.
One of the key topics of discussion to be explored and debated at the 2026 Manufacturing Indaba will focus on how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can be translated from policy into practical industrial growth through the development of Pan-African manufacturing value chains.
