The Centre for Applied Research and Innovation in Supply Chain – Africa (CARISCA) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kühne Foundation, through its Learn Logistics programme.
The MoU, signed in May 2025, formalizes a strategic partnership aimed at transforming logistics and supply chain education across Africa.
The agreement marks a new chapter for CARISCA as a Pan-African Centre of Excellence, now operating independently of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding. The Kühne Foundation’s support ensures sustained funding for the Centre’s core activities over the next three years.
Professor Nathaniel Boso, CARISCA Director, expressed gratitude to the Kühne Foundation for its swift and generous support, which began even before formal discussions were concluded.
“For the past three months, Learn Logistics has graciously supported CARISCA by covering staff salaries and ongoing activities, bridging the gap left by USAID’s disengagement,” said Professor Nathaniel Boso.
CARISCA is working with the Kühne Foundation to elevate logistics and supply chain education across the African continent.
As Prof. Boso affirmed, “The journey to making that impact has just begun.”
The Kühne Foundation has a long-standing focus on logistics, supporting education and research through its Learn Logistics initiative. Through its program, the foundation partners with universities across Africa to build local expertise in logistics education.
“We work with different universities to help develop capacities in logistics and supply chain management,” said Dr. Andre Kreie, Director of Global Logistics Education at the Kühne Foundation. “This includes scholarships and support for research activities, initiatives very similar to what CARISCA did together with Arizona State University.”
Dr. Kreie acknowledged CARISCA’s notable progress over the years and expressed enthusiasm for the road ahead.
“It was very interesting to see how well the project progressed… When we learned that the project was winding down, we became interested in how we could collaborate and possibly carry it forward.”
Based at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), CARISCA continues to receive strong institutional backing. The university’s vice-chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, reaffirmed KNUST’s commitment to the project and its new partnership.
“At KNUST, we never tire of supporting our partners,” she stated. “This is not a short-lived relationship; we are in this for the long haul. As you extend your impact across the sub-region and the continent, KNUST will serve as a backbone to connect you with other institutions.”
Professor Dickson also underscored the central role of logistics and supply chain management in development across all sectors, including healthcare, food security, shelter, and climate action.
“If logistics and supply chain systems are not functioning well, no sector can perform at its peak. We are proud of CARISCA’s work, and we believe this partnership will amplify its impact.”
CARISCA’s new support from the Kühne Foundation ensures the continuity of its flagship programs, including the Supply Chain Research Summit, Supply Chain Business Forum, and other capacity-building initiatives, while also opening up new possibilities for research, scholarships, and innovation.