Enablers and inhibitors of system change in the critical mile logistics in Africa

On Friday, March 26th more than 30 key players from the African and European innovation and logistics sectors convened in the first DIGILOGIC experts consultation to discuss the enablers and inhibitors of system change in the critical mile logistics in Africa.

Participants included DIGILOGIC partners, European funded projects like the Africa Europe Innovation Partnership; representatives from governmental bodies like the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority; Digital Innovation Hubs such as the Impact Hub Harare, MAN Impact Accelerator and SAIS; large companies such as Pfizer and Procter & Gamble; logistics companies such as RTT and smart logistics start-ups like Amitruck, Snoocode and Vakava.

The guiding question of the first consultation was: How may we create partnerships between European and African Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) to pave the way for startups, SMEs and innovators from both continents to jointly develop solutions to make logistics more efficient, affordable, and sustainable?

The consultation, conducted by Endeva team, started with the depiction of the status of the logistics system in Africa and its key stakeholders. In a co-sensing setting, participants were asked to imagine a bright future together, where DIGILOGIC’s mission had become reality. Participant’s visions included a more efficient, affordable and eco-friendly logistics system where small local actors collaborated to make services more efficient and impactful.

Based on the System Thinking Methodology, participants were then asked to share their perspectives on the enablers and inhibitors for realizing this vision. While a growing market, increasing mobile connectivity, and the wealth of human capital were among the enablers, high cost of capital, a lack of supporting policies and weak physical infrastructure represented the key inhibitors.