Middle East/Africa

Once-Stuck Ship Gets Another Chance for Passage Through the Suez Canal

December 9, 2021

Less than nine months after getting stuck in the Suez Canal, the Ever Given appears ready to give the northbound passage another try.

THE SCB PODCAST

Podcast | Human Rights in the DRC’s ‘Artisanal’ Cobalt Mines

December 3, 2021

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Are workers’ rights in the mines of the Democratic Republic of the Congo being sacrificed to the world’s hunger for cobalt?

How Farmers Around the World Are Battling ‘Post-Apocalyptic’ Food Crisis

November 18, 2021

Bloomberg

The world is facing a new era of rapidly increasing food prices that could push almost 2 billion more people into hunger in a worst-case climate crisis. Confronting the dire predictions, farmers have begun to adapt.

From Nairobi to Ningbo: The Supply Shocks Spanning Globe

September 29, 2021

Bloomberg

From high-class problems to difficulties finding life’s necessities, the pandemic has convulsed global supply chains on such a scale that few industries, socio-economic classes or regions are immune.

Africa's New Trade Bloc Could Take Years to Benefit Sub-Saharan Nations

September 22, 2021

Afke Zeilstra, SCB Contributor

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that came into effect in January has opened growth opportunities for both African and non-African companies, but implementation remains challenging.

China Eyes Afghanistan’s $1 Trillion of Minerals With Risky Bet on Taliban

August 25, 2021

Bloomberg

Afghanistan is sitting on deposits estimated to be worth $1 trillion or more, including what may be the world’s largest lithium reserves — if anyone can get them out of the ground.

Egypt Waves Goodbye to Suez Canal Saga With Payoff and a Party

July 7, 2021

Bloomberg

For a nation that provides safe passage for so many ships through its waters, Egypt is reserving rather special treatment for the Ever Given.

Suez Canal, Ever Given Ship Owners Reach Compensation Deal

June 24, 2021

Bloomberg

Egyptian officials and owners of the giant Ever Given vessel that blocked the Suez Canal earlier this year have reached a preliminary deal over compensation, according to the ship’s representatives.

Vaccine Shortages Hit Global Supply Program, Halting Rollouts

June 23, 2021

Bloomberg

A string of nations across Africa and Asia have run out of COVID-19 vaccines or are on the brink of doing so, months after receiving first shipments from a global program meant to equitably distribute the lifesaving shots.

Nigeria’s Erratic Power Supply Dims Its E-Commerce Potential

May 5, 2021

Beth Poole, SCB Contributor

As one of the world’s largest emerging markets, Nigeria stands at a crossroad. Its rapidly expanding economy and growing disposable income will propel its e-commerce market to reach $75 billion per year by 2025. A large unbanked population and erratic power supply, however, threaten to limit growth.

Middle East/Africa

The latest supply chain news, analysis, trends and best practices for companies operating in the Middle East and Africa. The Middle Eastern region consists of 18 countries that stretch from the western borders of Turkey and Egypt to the eastern edges of Iran and Saudi Arabia. Learn how businesses are optimizing supply chain and logistics performance in these regions, addressing a range of challenges such as poor infrastructure, complex customs and tax laws, unstable political climates and government controlled exchange rates - as well as capitalizing on new land and labor opportunities, particularly across Africa.