Supply chain industry body SAPICS has announced that it will host the 2025 SAPICS Young Professional and Student Conference on 28 February 2025, from 9am to 1pm.  Sponsored by DP World, this year’s event will take place at the University of Johannesburg for their Supply Chain Management students and online.

In addition to educating, empowering and elevating students and young professionals in the field of supply chain management, this conference aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations. It offers attendees an opportunity to engage with industry experts, develop essential skills and explore the latest innovations shaping the future of supply chain management.

The conference features a diverse agenda of presentations covering both technical supply chain topics and the increasingly critical soft skills needed for success in this interdisciplinary profession. Attendees can look forward to a well-rounded programme that will prepare them for the demands of the modern supply chain landscape, SAPICS says.

This year’s speakers include Prof Joash Mageto, the head of Transport and Supply Chain Management at the University of Johannesburg, who will present the welcome address. Dr Andrew Brown, a health workforce and pharmaceutical systems strengthening specialist from Management Sciences for Health, will share his knowledge and experience to help attendees prepare for a career in public health and humanitarian supply chains. An inspiring presentation by Kearabetswe Nkwane, the supply chain planner at Bayer South Africa, will cover how young professionals can grow in the field of supply chain management. The importance of student chapters and bridging the skills gap will be discussed by University of Johannesburg lecturer Dr Sebonkile Thaba.

Technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role in efficient supply chains. The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) will be explored in a presentation by Christa Small, the Organisational Effectiveness senior director at DP World Sub-Saharan Africa. The importance of supplier relationship management in supply chains is the topic of a presentation by DHL general manager Elaine Stout.

Dr Alicia Weber, a senior lecturer at UNISA, will discuss the essential supply chain management values that young professionals need to ensure that they are industry ready.

Today’s supply chain leaders recognise the importance and value of cooperation and collaboration between all role players across the supply chain. SAPICS Young Professional and Student Conference presenter Chule Gobodo, who is the director of Brainbow Conscious Creatives, contends that supply chain is Ubuntu in action. She will share her insights in the conference’s compelling closing session.

Attendance of the 2025 SAPICS Young Professional and Student Conference is free for SAPICS members and full-time students and young professionals under the age of 25.