Page 23 - LUA September - October 2024

excess transportation, which, in turn, to develop a more sustainable system
lowers emissions." of infrastructure from the ground up,
Looking ahead, the future of green instead of modernising existing systems."
logistics in Africa appears promising, Mansingh further shared her vision
but with challenges. The continent's for the future of green logistics in the
rapid economic growth, coupled with continent by adding, "As innovation and
increasing environmental awareness, is investment expands, we can expect to
embedded objective to deliver in some expected to drive significant changes see more widespread adoption of digital
way or a form towards sustainability in the logistics sector over the next few technologies for data-driven efficiency
objectives. Once these types of technology years. Many industry players predict improvements, greener transition fuels
are adopted in full or as a hybrid, a surge in EV adoption for last-mile including gas and biofuels, and greener
companies and communities can start deliveries in African cities, increased technologies across the logistics sector.
yielding results." use of renewable energy in warehouses Over time, EVs are likely to become
Mansingh of DP World, further and distribution centres, and more more common, particularly in major city
elaborating on the potential of AI efficient cross-border logistics enabled centres, as battery technology improves
in optimising supply chains, stated, by improved regional cooperation. and charging infrastructure expands.
"Advanced technologies such as AI Providing insights into the future The use of renewable energy sources,
and machine learning can be used to of sustainable logistics in Africa, such as solar and wind, will become
optimise supply chains, making them Rambaud noted, "It will be a gradual more integrated into logistics operations,
more efficient and reducing waste. For process. The economic activity of reducing the sector's carbon footprint."
example, AI can predict demand more countries in Africa is often dependent Overall, it is important to note that the
accurately, leading to better inventory on their level of infrastructure. The path to eco-friendly logistics in Africa is
management and reducing the need for opportunity is available in many places complex but full of potential. As a continent
on the rise, Africa has the opportunity
to build a logistics sector that is not
only efficient and competitive but also
sustainable and inclusive. The challenges
are significant, from infrastructure gaps
to financial constraints, but so are the
opportunities. With continued investment,
innovation, and collaboration, Africa
could well become a global leader in
green logistics, setting new standards for
sustainability in the industry.

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