Enabling sustainable development through logistics: a case of Southern Africa

Africa, as a continent, requires rapid development in order to catapult the continent into developed status. As decision-makers on the continent acknowledge this, ambitious development goals have been put in place. This research study analysed whether logistics, and more specifically, transport logistics can contribute to sustainable development on the continent, and if so, in which ways and forms this can be implemented. The qualitative study focused specifically on the SADC region trade block within Africa. The research included a case study of a leader in the transport logistics industry. Interviews with the company’s management committee, as well as the management of its top five clients, have been conducted to form the basis of an explorative study. The findings of this study indicate that logistics can contribute to sustainable development within Africa. Three specific areas of impact have been identified, i.e. the role of logistics as enabler of trade on the continent, its contribution to the combat against climate change and its role in social development. The researcher considers the findings in this paper to be significant for sustainable development in terms of their potential value for use by decision-makers in incorporating logistics into their decision-making. More importantly, the potential significant impact that logistics can have on sustainable development, with the formation of strategic partnerships in achieving these development goals, has been highlighted.

Grantor

Graduate School of Business (GSB)

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Fourie, Gerhard

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Rogers, Steven

• Transport Logistics
• Sustainable Development
• Development Goals
• Africa
• SADC

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/30220

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/30220