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Logistics Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa and Opportunities for Digitalization

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  • Damilola Kuteyi

    (Chair of Production and Operations Management, Brandenburg University of Technology, Siemens-Halske-Ring 6, 03046 Cottbus, Germany)

  • Herwig Winkler

    (Chair of Production and Operations Management, Brandenburg University of Technology, Siemens-Halske-Ring 6, 03046 Cottbus, Germany)

Abstract

Improvements in logistics performance are considered to be a significant driver of economic growth. Digitalization in logistics, which includes enhanced tracking systems, digitized flows of information, artificial intelligence and automation, has further enabled globalized trade. However, Sub-Saharan African (SSA) economies, majorly export-commodity-dependent, still lag behind, grappling with inadequate policy frameworks, huge infrastructure deficits and trade barriers which result in a broken supply chain that negatively impacts growth. This study aims to investigate existing challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, the potentials for the region to leapfrog traditional supply chain practices and adopt digital technologies, by evaluating previous findings in a systematic manner and augmenting these findings through semi-structured interviews. Systematic literature analysis conducted on published academic literature within a specific period and based on predefined criteria resulted in 287 articles being used for the final analysis. The most common logistics challenges and potential solutions have been identified. Semi-structured interviews with logistics service providers in the region have been conducted to establish the findings highlighted in the systematic literature review. The interviews showed that human capital training is a major factor when adopting digital technologies, and a focus on infrastructure investments, regulatory and institutional framework improvements will boost economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Damilola Kuteyi & Herwig Winkler, 2022. "Logistics Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa and Opportunities for Digitalization," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:4:p:2399-:d:753499
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Armah, Abdul Karim & Li, Jinfa & Wei, Mengdi, 2025. "Effect of infrastructure and technological factors on slum online commerce and product delivery: A structural functionalism perspective," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    3. Himanshu Gupta & Kumar Shreshth & Manjeet Kharub & Ashwani Kumar, 2024. "Strategies to overcome challenges to smart sustainable logistics: a Bayesian-based group decision-making approach," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(5), pages 11743-11770, May.
    4. Jaelyn S. Liang & Rehaan S. Mundy & Shriya Jagwayan, 2024. "E-Commerce in Africa: Divergent Impacts on Rural and Urban Economies," Papers 2412.03879, arXiv.org.
    5. Wai Peng Wong & Muhammad Fahad Anwar & Keng Lin Soh, 2024. "Transportation 4.0 in supply chain management: State-of-the-art and future directions towards 5.0 in the transportation sector," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 683-710, June.
    6. Ridwan Lanre Ibrahim & Usama Al-Mulali & Kazeem Bello Ajide & Abubakar Mohammed & Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh Al-Faryan, 2023. "The Implications of Food Security on Sustainability: Do Trade Facilitation, Population Growth, and Institutional Quality Make or Mar the Target for SSA?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-23, January.
    7. Joseph Nyirenda & Fr. Mathew Lungu, 2025. "The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Optimizing Logistics Management: A Case Study of VS Cargo Limited in Ndola," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(7), pages 3525-3545, July.

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