P166 short courses on key international economic and development issues for Geneva-based delegates

Shaping the future of supply chains in Africa: Optimizing opportunities and strategic value

The global supply chain disruptions caused by recent global shocks, such as the pandemic, geopolitical tensions and the impacts of climate change, as well as the resulting global market slowdown, have intensified the need to promote more resilient supply chain operations across various regions and thereby mitigate the risks of supply shortages and other repercussions from shocks and vulnerabilities on supply chain efficiency. The risks of concentrating manufacturing and supply chains in a few markets or sourcing sector-specific intermediate goods from a few locations can enhance exposure to shocks and disruptions in production networks and supply chains. As a result, industries participating in global supply chains increasingly seek to diversify supply (number of suppliers) and customer (number of customers) bases, improve supply chains with more technology-enabled processes and businesses and optimize supply chain financing solutions in order to reduce dependence on global suppliers, sources, distribution and other supply chain components.

The course aims to inform policymakers of such current global trends and how the increasing need for global firms to diversify supply chains in order to improve resilience can provide countries in Africa with a unique opportunity to ensure a more impactful integration into the global economy. The course will also address opportunities for companies to diversify and relocate parts of supply chains, especially in high-knowledge and technology-intensive sectors, such as automotives, electronics and medical devices, by considering or targeting Africa as a new source market for inputs (e.g. critical minerals and intermediate products), while reducing the costs of transportation and logistics and minimizing risks related to supplier delivery delays and other challenges. Growing consumer markets in Africa, with increasing demand for electronic goods and financial technology services, can provide incentives for market proximity and diversification towards the region. New technologies and manufacturing trends are critical in allowing for viable local production, attractive domestic markets for foreign companies (including relocation of production to the region) and innovative supply chain practices. The course will be based on key findings and strategies from Economic Development in Africa Report 2023, including on how economies and businesses (including small and medium-sized enterprises) in Africa can best position themselves to become key players in global supply chains.

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