The 46th annual SAPICS Conference, Africa’s premier event for supply chain professionals, took place from June 9-12, 2024, in the vibrant city of Cape Town. This year’s conference was a remarkable convergence of industry leaders, scholars, and practitioners, fostering an environment of learning, networking, and professional growth. 

Kicking off with a warm welcome, the conference promised a series of enlightening sessions, and it certainly delivered. Among the distinguished speakers at the main conference were Luca Mattia Gelsomino and Jacques De Villiers, whose joint session was particularly well-received, providing attendees with valuable knowledge and strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of supply chain finance. 

Jacques De Villiers, a dynamic Mechanical Engineer turned Supply Chain Strategist, has been with Omnia for over two decades. He brings an abundance of experience and a keen focus on driving efficiency and optimisation in supply chain management. Jacques’s insights into practical strategies for enhancing supply chain performance resonated strongly with the audience, providing valuable takeaways for professionals seeking to improve operational efficiency. 

Luca Mattia Gelsomino, an Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen and Academic Director of the SCF Community, brought a wealth of knowledge to understand the intersection of physical and financial supply chains. During the main conference, Jacques and Luca’s combined presentation provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of supply chain finance dynamics and real-world applications. The session was very insightful, with attendees appreciating the use of a real-life example involving Omnia to illustrate key points. It brought practical insights into the session and an opportunity for supply chain professionals to learn from a well-tested strategy.  The demand for more detailed explanations and case studies underscored the audience’s eagerness to delve deeper into SCF topics. 

The conference also featured a workshop on June 9th, sponsored by Addendum in association with the SCF Community, where Emuel Schoeman, (Chairperson, Addendum) joined the workshop to provide his expertise. Luca and Emuel’s joint presentation session with excellent content added value and imparted a lot of knowledge. Luca highlighted the latest research trends and practical insights in supply chain finance (SCF), emphasizing the importance of integrating financial strategies with supply chain operations to enhance overall efficiency and resilience. Emuel’s ability to convey complex concepts contributed to the informative and well-rounded session. His commitment to fostering business success in Africa through innovative financial solutions was evident and highly appreciated by the attendees. The feedback indicated a “firm grasp of supply chain finance” among participants, who left with a deeper understanding of SCF’s role in modern supply chains.  

Throughout the conference, networking breaks and interactive sessions facilitated meaningful connections among professionals from diverse sectors. The partnership between Addendum Supply Chain Finance and the Supply Chain Finance Community accentuated the collaborative spirit of the event, aiming to represent SCF in Africa and address regional supply chain challenges. 

The SAPICS Conference 2024 in Cape Town was a resounding success, offering a rich blend of theoretical insights and practical applications.

In conclusion, the conference reinforced the importance of resilience, sustainability, and innovation in supply chains. It left participants with actionable insights and a renewed commitment to driving positive change in their respective fields. The SCF Community Team extends heartfelt thanks to all speakers, participants, and partners, especially Addendum, Omnia and SAPICS, looking forward to continued collaboration and growth in future events.