South African exporters are being encouraged to look at Hong Kong as a strategic entry point into China and broader Asian markets, as shifting trade dynamics, logistics congestion and tariff pressures force a rethink of traditional export routes.
Africa is on the cusp of a significant shift in intra-continental trade, with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) unlocking a new wave of e-commerce growth driven by mobile-first consumers and fintech innovation. Intra-African trade under the AfCFTA reached US$208 billion in 2024, representing a 7.7 percent year-on-year increase.
Archie Vermeulen is an industry veteran who previously headed national logistics operations for Vodacom as well as Cell C. During our visit to record a video tour of RAM’s new facility (view it here), we spent some extra time chatting to Archie and he shared some insights on people, process & equipment in warehousing. There were some real nuggets in the 9 minutes that we recorded and if you’re involved in warehousing operations, we encourage you to listen to it.
Bookings have opened for the Chartered Institute for Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Southern Africa 2026 Connect & Engage Conference & Awards. The Institute’s flagship procurement and supply chain event will return to Johannesburg on 5-6 August.
