Centre for Applied Research and Innovation in Supply Chain - Africa

Supply Chain Action Network Meeting
2024-04-08
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In today’s fast-paced global economy, the integration of data analytics and fintech into supply chain management represents a transformative leap forward. The urgency and necessity of this integration are underscored by the growing complexity of global supply chains, the need for inclusive economic growth, and the pressing demands of environmental sustainability.
As businesses strive to remain competitive, the role of fintech in enabling access to capital, particularly for marginalized or underrepresented groups, becomes crucial. Simultaneously, navigating the intricate regulatory environments and ensuring compliance, optimizing supplier performance, and managing expenditures without compromising on sustainability objectives are paramount challenges that demand innovative solutions.
On April 8, CARISCA will convene a Supply Chain Action Network (SCAN) meeting to shine a spotlight on harnessing these technologies to unlock unprecedented efficiency, enhance financial inclusion and promote sustainability within the supply chain ecosystem. This event serves as a crucial platform for stakeholders across the spectrum to collaborate on, learn and pioneer strategies that will define the future of supply chain management.
The full-day SCAN meeting will feature two keynote speakers, a panel discussion and breakout group sessions, with plenty of time for Q&A. The agenda also includes a lunch break and brief presentations on CARISCA, Strathmore University Business School and the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management, which are collaborating on the event.
The two keynote speakers, Maurice Mashiwa from Serano Africa and Vincent Omwenga from Strathmore University, will address the meeting topic through the lens of agriculture and healthcare, respectively. Panel discussions and breakout sessions will cover a number of sub-themes:
FinTech and AGPO Financial Inclusion: The crucial role of fintech companies in championing Affirmative Action for Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO).
Navigating Regulatory Environment and Compliance: Insights on utilizing data analytics for compliance with global standards, risk mitigation, and building stakeholder trust.
Supplier Performance and Spend Management: How to evaluate supplier performance and fine-tune expenditure management via sophisticated analytics.
Sustainability: How leveraging fintech and data analytics can support the monitoring and minimization of carbon emissions, promote ethical sourcing, and encourage sustainable consumption behaviors.
Through these focused discussions, the SCAN event aspires to arm participants with the insights and instruments required to adeptly navigate the complexities and seize the opportunities brought forth by the integration of data analytics and fintech into supply chain management.
The ultimate ambition is to cultivate a culture of innovation, inclusivity and sustainability that not only drives business success but also contributes significantly to the welfare of the wider community.

CPD - Supply Chain Analytics
2024-04-11 - 2024-04-12
Learn more: https://carisca.knust.edu.gh/training/cpd/
Given the importance of the supply chain to organizations across the globe, businesses are looking for opportunities to make processes faster, cheaper and easier as materials move from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Supply chains involve many different activities, people and organizations, which produce a vast amount of information.
This overwhelming amount of data has to be processed and converted into forms that influence key decisions and lead to better results. Supply chain analytics uses data analytical tools to manage and improve supply chain functions, such as demand planning, order processing and inventory control, and risk management.
Join CARISCA’s two-day Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course on Supply Chain Analytics, co-hosted and accredited by the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM), Kenya.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and network with industry peers.

Learn more: https://carisca.knust.edu.gh/training/cpd/

Distinguished Lecture Series - Nannette Atuahene
2024-05-22 17:00 - 18:30 UTC
Join us May 22 for the next event in our Distinguished Lecture Series. On Our Watch Global founder Nannette Atuahene will talk about “Building a Future-Ready Supply Chain Industry.”
5-6:30 p.m. GMT / 10-11:30 a.m. PDT and MST

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COVID laid bare the vulnerability of the supply chain industry, when the whole world virtually shut down. At the same time, a big disconnection was revealed among researchers, practitioners and policymakers with regard to supply chain issues.
The key to building a future-ready supply chain industry lies in the untapped potential that comes from creating synergy among these groups. That is the topic of the next event in our Distinguished Lecture Series, on Wednesday, May 22.
Nannette Atuahene, a leadership and organizational effectiveness consultant who splits her time between Ghana and the U.S., will deliver the lecture.
“When we are faced with many problems, many opportunities exist to solve them,” says Atuahene. “The question is, how do we set up effective and efficient communication systems between academia, industry and policymakers to bolster innovation, solutions and an upgraded supply chain industry?”
Her May 22 lecture will look at the challenges that currently exist in the supply chain industry, in academia, practice and policymaking. It will address how to overcome those challenges and the opportunities for practitioners, academia and policymakers to work together to move the supply chain industry forward.
Attendees will receive practical tips on how to create, obtain and utilize data and case studies to move your research and businesses forward. You also will learn how to create effective synergies among academia, practitioners and policymakers.
About the speaker:
Nannette Atuahene was born and raised in the United States to a mother and father who were from Kumasi, Ghana. As an adult, she splits the year between living in Ghana and California.
She is a real estate investor and broker and founder of On Our Watch Global, LLC, a leadership development and organizational effectiveness consultancy. She also contributes her time and expertise to the community, primarily by empowering youth on the streets of Ghana and working with several Ghanaian NGOs.

2024 Pre-Conference Paper Development Workshop
2024-06-03
Selected faculty and senior doctoral candidates from higher education institutions (HEIs) in Africa will participate in a special Paper Development Workshop, a pre-conference session of our annual Supply Chain Research Summit.
The workshop will be held in person at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, Ghana, on Monday, June 3, 2024.
The number of seats for the program is limited. To be eligible, you must be a faculty or senior doctoral student in an African HEI, register for the conference, have a complete or near-complete research paper, and commit to attending the summit in person. The same paper may be submitted for presentation at the conference but does not have to be.
The goal of the Paper Development Workshop is to create a platform for faculty and senior doctoral candidates to meet with and seek professional advice from senior supply chain scholars on a specific academic research paper. It should be a paper you are currently working on that is at an advanced stage for submission or ready to be submitted to an academic journal.
Feedback will be provided in a safe environment. Participants will also be able to engage with senior colleagues in more focused discussions.
The workshop is fully supported by the Center for Applied Research and Innovation in Supply Chain – Africa (CARISCA); there is no cost to attendees. However, only applicants who have fully registered for and committed to attend the main summit in person will be considered.
Application Deadline:
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Questions?
Contact Kekeli Adonu at lkadonu@carisca.knust.edu.gh or Barby Grant at barby.grant@asu.edu

Apply for Paper Development Workshop

2024 Supply Chain Research Summit
2024-06-04 - 2024-06-06
On June 4-6, 2024, CARISCA will host the fourth annual Supply Chain Research Summit, in Accra, Ghana. The 2023 summit in Accra, Ghana, attracted 688 participants from 41 countries and featured more than 90 presenters.
The conference brings together academic and non-academic researchers and public, private and civil society organizations to create an ongoing dialogue addressing complex supply chain challenges. This year’s summit will once again adopt a hybrid model, allowing for both in-person and virtual attendance
The in-person venue is the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra. Attendees and speakers may also participate virtually via Zoom.
The summit will take an in-depth look at how to build resilience in Africa’s supply chains for economic transformation. Resilient supply chains are vital for the success of businesses and societies.
Given the frequent and costly supply chain disruptions in Africa, increased investment in supply chain resilience on the continent is a pressing need. Current proposals for addressing these issues are primarily at the macro level and often lack solid grounding in theory-validated frameworks.
Furthermore, while studies on the drivers of supply chain resilience are growing rapidly, research specific to African supply chains remains limited.
Addressing these supply chain resilience themes requires a forum such as the 2024 Supply Chain Research Summit. There, supply chain scholars will brainstorm and share ideas on how Africa’s supply chains can be repositioned to drive the continent’s economic transformation agenda.

Faculty Workshop
2024-06-19 - 2024-06-20
Wednesday-Thursday, June 19-20
Faculty Workshop
Computational Modeling

Creating and Implementing Policy Changes Across Supply Chains
2024-07-11
Supply chain is often part of the solution to global challenges. But managing supply chain policies and practices is an ever-evolving exercise. And knowing what changes to make and when can be difficult.
At our July 11 Inclusion in Supply Chain Training and Networking event, four women leaders will share their experiences implementing policy changes at their workplaces. Their stories will highlight policies that facilitate access and inclusion of underrepresented groups, including women, those with disabilities and compelled laborers.
The presenters will provide insights into their professional journeys spanning the higher education, entrepreneurial, government and agribusiness sectors. A representative from the Mastercard Foundation also will speak about Mastercard’s persons-with-disability policy at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
The objectives of the event are threefold:

providing insight on how policy changes are implemented on multiple levels;
showcasing successful stories of women and underrepresented groups leading in supply chain initiatives, and
creating a platform for like-minded individuals to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas.

About the speakers:

Wafaa Ahmed is an assistant professor of information systems at Nottingham University in the U.K. She has worked with leading organizations to investigate the use of blockchain technology in the mining, automotive, textile and logistics sectors. She also has expertise in supply chain management, digital transformation and project management.

Catherine Kangangi is deputy director of supply chain management for the Kenya Rural Roads Authority. She also serves as a consultant to the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) and a council member of the Professional Standards Committee of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).

Tutuwa Mamphey is the founder and CEO of Nokware Skincare. After starting a career in finance, she founded the business in her father’s kitchen and now has a dedicated factory space with a full-time workforce of 12 women. The company is founded on the values of local sourcing, women’s empowerment, inclusive beauty and sustainable packaging.

Jennifer Monny is director of supply chain and procurement for Koa Switzerland and Ghana, which produces and sells fresh cocoa fruit juice and pulp. In that role, she has helped drive sustainability and innovation in the cocoa industry. A recent KNUST PhD graduate, Monny’s research interests lie in agri-food supply chains, green supply chain innovations, gender balance and sustainability.

Distinguished Lecture Series
2024-07-18
Thursday, July 18
Distinguished Lecture Series
“The Role of Mobile Resources in Access to Healthcare in Underserved Communities”
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One of the great challenges in modern healthcare is how to improve access to health services and medications in remote and underserved communities. Major barriers include financial viability, availability of personnel and transportation.
In particular, capital investment in permanent facilities and equipment can be infeasible due to the cost per person. It can be difficult to find medical professionals to provide full-time care to these communities. And bringing healthcare to remote/rural communities often requires covering large geographic areas that have less-than-desirable infrastructure.
At the next event in our Distinguished Lecture Series, Jonathan Helm from Indiana University will discuss these challenges and potential solutions that lie at the intersection of supply chain management, operations management and analytics. His focus will be on mobile healthcare resources.
These resources can provide services that rotate between multiple underserved communities and deliver medications in a more cost-effective manner. Mobile resources reduce the financial and logistical burden while providing much higher access to care for residents of these regions that have historically been lacking.
Helm will also highlight some of the data challenges in developing analytics in rural, remote and underserved regions. He will draw upon several research projects in the U.S. and Africa to highlight specific challenges.
Examples include projects to reach rural veterans in the U.S., deliver malaria medication in Malawi, address maternal mortality in remote and rural communities in Botswana, and prevent and treat addiction in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
About the speaker:
Jonathan Helm is a professor in the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and W.W. Grainger Inc. Faculty Fellow. His research has been broadly implemented in the healthcare industry and published in top-ranked business, medical, analytics and healthcare engineering journals.
He has won upwards of 20 international research awards. In 2024, he won first place in the Innovative Application of Analytics Awards for a project that combines human expertise and machine learning to battle the nursing- shortage crisis.

Supply Chain Business Forum and Exhibition
2024-07-29 - 2024-07-30
Industry and academia will come together to share insights, trends and perspectives during CARISCA’s inaugural Business Forum and Exhibition set for July 29-30 in Accra, Ghana. The goal is to enhance supply chain efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness across Africa.
The event will feature two days of presentations and panel discussions on the theme “Navigating the Future of Supply Chains in Africa.” The schedule also will provide plenty of time for networking and exploring the exhibition space, where leading businesses and entrepreneurs will showcase their products and services.

Learn more and register: https://carisca.knust.edu.gh/businessforumevent/

Systematic Literature Reviews: the Who, How, What, Why and When
2024-08-16 15:30 - 17:00
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A systematic literature review is one of many research methods available to academic scholars. It involves identifying and evaluating relevant literature on a selected topic of study.
Unlike a common literature review conducted for projects employing other research approaches, a systematic literature review is an independent research method. It is a reproducible and empirically valid approach to understanding patterns, findings and potential gaps in knowledge.
On Aug. 16, Arizona State University Professor Craig Carter will lead a virtual workshop, part of the CARISCA Training Series, on how to conduct systematic literature reviews.
His presentation will cover the who, how, what, why and when of the topic. Carter will describe a step-by-step approach to the methodology, suggest guidelines and work through an actual example.
This presentation will serve as a foundation for a second training workshop on Aug. 30, on meta-analysis, a subset of systematic literature reviews. At the Aug. 16 training, Carter will suggest guidelines that will help researchers understand how to conduct meta-analyses—a methodologically rigorous, and possible more interesting, literature review.
About the speaker:
Craig R. Carter is the John G. and Barbara A. Bebbling Professor of Supply Chain Management at Arizona State University. He also directs the SCM Behavioral Lab and is a Fearon Fellow at CAPS Research.
Carter’s primary research stream focuses on sustainable supply chain management. A second area of research examines behavioral decision-making phenomena within supply management contexts.
He also is interested in analyzing the status and evolution of research in the supply chain management discipline. He provides guidance and thought leadership regarding future research directions.
His research has appeared in the leading supply chain management journals, including the Journal of Business Logistics, Journal of Operations Management and Journal of Supply Chain Management. Carter is editor emeritus and an advising editor for the Journal of Supply Chain Management, a senior editor for the Journal of Business Logistics, and an associate editor for the Journal of Operations Management and the Decision Sciences Journal.

Continuing Professional Development Course
2024-08-28 - 2024-08-29
Register: https://carisca.knust.edu.gh/training/cpd/
Join CARISCA’s two-day Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course on Supply Chain Analytics, co-hosted with Lagos State University, Nigeria.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and network with industry peers.

Course Details

Course: Supply Chain Analytics
Date: August 28-29, 2024
Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. GMT ||9 a.m. – 3 p.m. WAT each day
Venue: Online via Zoom
Course Objectives

This workshop will build the capacity of supply chain practitioners and service providers in Sub-Saharan Africa, in both the public and private sectors, to use big data to support supply chain management decisions.
In this workshop, you will apply various techniques to analyze, model and visualize several aspects of operations, procurement, logistics and supply chain. Additionally, you will model various supply chain analytics on dashboards to solve industry-related problems, using tools such as Microsoft Power BI, Python and R Studio.
Register: https://carisca.knust.edu.gh/training/cpd/

CARISCA Training Series - Striving for Generalizability: An Introduction to Meta-Analysis
2024-08-30 16:00 - 18:00
Generalizability—the applicability of research findings to a larger population than those in the study—is critical for researchers who wish to make an impact. One approach to consider is meta-analysis.
A subset of systematic literature reviews, meta-analysis combines data from numerous sources. Thus it allows researchers to draw more generalizable conclusions than would be possible from individual studies alone.
On Aug. 30, the CARISCA Training Series returns with a session on meta-analysis led by Rudi Leuschner, associate professor of supply chain management at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Leuschner has been the lead author of three meta-analysis studies published in the Journal of Supply Chain Management.
While already widespread in certain disciplines, the use of meta-analysis is now growing within supply chain management. With an increasing number of studies being published across multiple topics, this tool enables the field to guide future research.
It also enhances the credibility of research outcomes and facilitates the translation of research findings into practical applications. Lastly, meta-analysis aids in advancing scientific knowledge by highlighting gaps in research and guiding future investigation.
The CARISCA Training will cover key concepts, methodology and strategies used in meta-analytical research. Participants will gain an understanding of how this methodology can be used to create a systematic quantitative summary of existing research in supply chain management.
Specifically, participants will review the overall logic of meta-analytic studies, sample selection, meta-analytic calculations and insights drawn from meta-analytic studies.
About the speaker:
Rudi Leuschner is an associate professor of supply chain management at Rutgers Business School and program director for the online Master of Science in Supply Chain Management program. He is at the forefront of online education as the faculty coordinator for distance and online learning and the creator of the supply chain management MOOC specialization.
Leuschner’s research focuses on the end-to-end supply chain and the integration of its three primary flows: products, information and finances. Specifically, in the new field of supply chain finance, he has been active in developing relevant insights for academic and practitioner audiences.
He co-developed the Rutgers Business School Payment Practices Index, which ranks retailers’ performance. His work has appeared in many top-ranked journals, and he has been a frequent speaker at academic as well as practitioner conferences.

Medical and Humanitarian Logistics in Disaster Settings: Preparedness and Response
2024-09-11 17:00 - 18:30
Every year over the past two decades, approximately 350 to 450 natural disasters have struck around the globe. Each of these events causes an economic loss of at least $50 million, an insured loss of $25 million, 10 or more fatalities, 50 injuries, or damage to a minimum of 2,000 structures. In 2023, Africa, Europe and the Middle East experienced the highest number of disasters. [Source]
The perennial occurrence of disasters in various forms and their consequent destruction to lives and properties highlight the critical role of medical and humanitarian logistics. Logisticians in medical and humanitarian fields ensure the availability and timely delivery of essential medicines and equipment and support rapid response and relief efforts.
Lt. Col. Solomon Ocran, who will speak on Sept. 11 as part of our Distinguished Lecture Series, has been practising in the field of medical and humanitarian logistics for 15 years. He has served as a pharmacist and medical logistics officer at hospitals in Ghana as well as Chad, Congo, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Liberia and South Sudan.
In his lecture, Ocran will talk about how medical and humanitarian logistics are essential for ensuring that health care systems are prepared to respond to emergencies. Managing the availability of pharmaceuticals; medical/surgical supplies, devices and equipment; consumables and other products plays a critical role in preparedness and response when disasters strike.
About the Speaker
Lt. Col. Solomon Ocran is the officer-in-charge of the Medical Stores and Equipment Depot of the Ghana Armed Forces. He leads a team of 75 staff including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, procurement officers, supply officers and medical stores men. The facility he leads is involved in medical logistics procurement, warehousing and distribution.
Previously, Ocran was deputy chief pharmacist for the Ghana Armed Forces. He has over 20 years of experience as a pharmacist managing medical commodities both locally and abroad.
Ocran also is a facilitator in the course Logistics Support in Peace-Keeping Operations (Medical) at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre. He holds an MBA in health services administration and an MSc in logistics and supply chain management, the latter from KNUST.

Beyond Disruption: Leveraging Strategic Foresight for Resilient Supply Chains
2024-11-20 17:00 - 18:30
In today’s rapidly changing global environment, supply chains are increasingl exposed to a wide range of disruptions. These include geopolitical conflicts, technological advances, environmental crises and shifting economic conditions.
Traditional approaches to supply chain management often struggle to keep up with these dynamic challenges, leaving organizations vulnerable. To move beyond disruption, strategic foresight becomes an important arsenal. It enables a forward-thinking approach for building resilience and navigating potential risks in the operating environment.
On Nov. 20, University of Pretoria faculty member Faith Mashele will present on this topic as part of CARISCA’s Distinguished Lecture Series. She will explore how organizations can leverage business tools and frameworks to assess external influences, prioritize risks and implement adaptive strategies.
The session will also cover the fundamental building blocks for evaluating supply chain context, empowering organizations to better understand and navigate dynamics in the operating environment.
Using examples from practice, participants will gain insights on strategic foresights and a toolkit for building resilience and anticipating future disruptions within the supply chain environment.
About the speaker:
Faith Mashele teaches in the areas of sustainable supply chains and operations management at the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science. She also is a fellow of the school’s Centre for African Management and Markets.
In addition to her academic career, she has extensive corporate experience. Mashele has held diverse roles in both the public and private sector, spanning the banking, consulting, development finance, education and information technology industries.
Known as a procurement ninja, she has been widely recognized as one of the leading women in the field. She is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and former head of the Procurement Centre of Excellence for Nedbank.

Artificial Intelligence for Nudging Complex Supply Networks
2025-01-22
Artificial intelligence has quickly transitioned from a concept in science fiction to an integral part of our daily lives. It has become an innovative tool across various industries, powering everything from the algorithms behind our favorite applications to the predictive models that optimize global logistics.
At the next event in our Distinguished Lecture Series, Alexandra Brintrup, a professor at the University of Cambridge, will discuss the role of artificial intelligence in operations and supply chain management. She will address the current state of affairs and the major driving forces shaping supply chains today.
Brintrup will introduce AI with multiple definitions, to cover what is AI and, importantly, what is not. She will introduce subfields of AI and data science and how they are primarily used in supply chain management. She will then delve deeper into an “exotic” selection of supply chain AI, to emphasize that which could not have been done before.
The lecture will also include state-of-the-art research examples in network analytics, digital supply chain surveillance, collective learning and distributed decision-making automation. Brintrup’s aim is to encourage debate on how AI should be evaluated by breaking disciplinary silos in the operations management community.
Lecture participants will also gain valuable insights into potential pitfalls and challenges associated with AI, including loss of data traceability, complacency, lack of accountability and cognitive atrophy.
About the speaker:
Alexandra Brintrup is a professor of digital manufacturing at the University of Cambridge, where she leads the Supply Chain AI Lab. She also leads digital manufacturing at the Alan Turing Institute, is external faculty at the Complexity Science Hub Vienna and a fellow of Darwin College.
A pioneer in studying large-scale supply chains as complex adaptive networks, her research has led to understanding of universal patterns that govern supply chains. She was first to develop algorithms to predict supply chain dependencies and disruptions.
Over the past decade she has advised policymakers as well as national and European scientific committees. She also has worked with startups, small- and medium-sized enterprises and international organizations.

From Research to Impact: The Art of Academic Storytelling
2025-02-13
Conducting high-quality research is only the first step for any academic who wishes to advance knowledge and make an impact in his or her field.
The ability to effectively communicate your research findings is a critical skill. It can mean the difference between producing research that just sits on a shelf and research that drives real-world change.
Journal editors and conference audiences alike expect researchers to be able to explain their work in a clear, concise manner. The best way to do that is to develop a storyline that ties the research together.
Successful papers in the modern era usually always tell an interesting story. Being able to present your research clearly through a story helps you convey its impact to audiences that likely do not have the same understanding of the topic as you do.
Every presentation is an opportunity to hone your storytelling skills.
Learn the art of academic storytelling at our Feb. 13 CARISCA Training. In this session, experienced researchers from Ghana, the U.S. and the U.K. will discuss how storytelling is more than a nice-to-have. It’s an essential skill for researchers committed to making a tangible impact with their work.
The presentation will cover how to present your research story as well as tactical elements such as what to put on PowerPoint slides or on the whiteboard in a classroom. Attendees will take away strategies and tactics to ensure your research not only informs but also leaves a lasting impression and drives meaningful change.
This free online session is open to all, but researchers who will present papers at the 2025 Supply Chain Research Summit are especially urged to attend.
About the speakers:

Felicity Asiedu-Appiah is an associate professor of management and human resource management at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. She has over 19 years of academic experience and specializes in teaching and coaching students and professionals to deliver impactful presentations with clarity and confidence.
She has presented her research on topics like work-life intersections and leadership both locally and internationally. Beyond academia, she provides training and consulting on emotional intelligence, career planning and work-life intersections. She also is technical consultant for the KNUST School of Business Career Services Office.

Dominic Essuman is a lecturer in sustainable management at the University of Shefﬁeld, United Kingdom. His research interests revolve around supply chain strategy, resilience and sustainability.
His research has been published in top-tier academic journals, including the International Journal of Production Economics, Journal of International Business Studies and Journal of Business Logistics. In December 2023, Essuman co-led a popular CARISCA Training on “Defending Your Thesis at Viva,” during which he outlined how to design and deliver an effective research presentation.

Dale Rogers is CARISCA’s executive director and principal investigator and the ON Semiconductor Professor of Business at Arizona State University. A member of the Supply Chain Hall of Fame, he is a leading researcher in the fields of reverse logistics, sustainable supply chain management, supply chain finance and secondary markets.
Rogers has published in the field’s leading journals and made more than 400 presentations to professional organizations. An internationally known storyteller, he is a frequent keynote speaker at academic and industry conferences and interview subject for major media outlets around the globe.

Distinguished Lecture Series
2025-04-02 14:30 - 16:00
Distinguished Lecture Series – Digital Supply Chain and Business Model Innovations: Observations from China
Join us on April 2 for the next event in our Distinguished Lecture Series.

Digitalization is one of the most important features of today’s supply chain management.
Many companies today are using advanced digital technologies like 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Big Data Analytics to improve their supply chains. These technologies help businesses connect different parts of their supply chain, make smarter decisions, and optimize operations.
In this distinguished lecture, Professor Zhao will explore the connection between supply chain innovation and business model transformation. He will examine the forces driving supply chain digitalization and its role in shaping global competitive advantages.
The session will also explore emerging research opportunities, based on his extensive work with companies across multiple sectors.
About the Speaker
Professor Xiande Zhao is the JD.com Chair Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management and Director of the CEIBS Institute of Supply Chain Innovations. He has been consistently recognized as one of Elsevier’s “Most Cited Chinese Scholars” and is listed among Stanford University’s “Global Top 2% Scientists 2024.”
Professor Zhao is a Fellow of both the Decision Sciences Institute (DSI) and the Association of Supply Chain and Operations Management (ASCOM). He has also received the CEIBS Medal for Research Excellence and the CEIBS 30th Anniversary Outstanding Faculty Contribution Award.
He specializes in supply chain integration, digital supply chains, business model innovation, and supply chain finance. He collaborates extensively with industry partners, developing case studies, innovative teaching programs, and publishing in top-tier journals. Professor Zhao has provided training and consulting for companies including JD.com, Haier, CATL, SAIC Volkswagen, COFCO, China Construction Bank, China Mobile, DHL, Japan Airlines, GSK, and others.

Research Capacity-Building Workshop
2025-04-16 - 2025-04-17
On April 16-17, CARISCA will host its first faculty workshop for 2025, held online via Zoom. Faculty workshops focus on strengthening the research capacity of faculty and graduate students at KNUST and other higher education institutions in Africa.
These workshops aim to equip faculty with innovative tools to better understand the complexities of global supply chains and identify opportunities to enhance their efficiency. The upcoming session in January will focus on using textual data in supply chain management research.
While supply chain studies often prioritize quantitative data for theory testing and development, this workshop will emphasize the insights and perspectives that qualitative, text-based data can provide.
Arizona State University Professor Kevin J. Dooley will lead the workshop. He will guide participants in exploring the use of textual data and demonstrate how it can enhance research by uncovering insights beyond traditional approaches.
The first day of the workshop will feature a presentation on how to apply textual data and sources in operations and supply chain management research. On the second day, participants will apply the concepts learned the day before.
About the speaker:
Kevin J. Dooley is a Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business. He also is chief scientist of The Sustainability Consortium, where he works with a global research team and industry to make consumer products more sustainable.
In addition, Dooley serves as co-director of the Complex Adaptive Supply Networks Research Accelerator and senior global futures scientist in the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory.
He has published more than 100 research articles and provided training or consultation for over 200 companies in the areas of sustainability, supply chain management, quality, and technology and innovation.
Dooley has received numerous accolades, including the Academy of Management’s Distinguished Scholar Award and the W.P. Carey Dean’s Distinguished Career Research Award.

From Research to Impact: The Art of Academic Storytelling
2025-05-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Online Platform – Zoom, Ghana
Conducting high-quality research is only the first step for any academic who wishes to advance knowledge and make an impact in his or her field.
The ability to effectively communicate your research findings is a critical skill. It can mean the difference between producing research that just sits on a shelf and research that drives real-world change.
Journal editors and conference audiences alike expect researchers to be able to explain their work in a clear, concise manner. The best way to do that is to develop a storyline that ties the research together.
Successful papers in the modern era usually always tell an interesting story. Being able to present your research clearly through a story helps you convey its impact to audiences that likely do not have the same understanding of the topic as you do.
Every presentation is an opportunity to hone your storytelling skills.
Learn the art of academic storytelling at our May 22 CARISCA Training. In this session, the facilitator, Dominic Essuman, PhD, will discuss how storytelling is more than a nice-to-have. It’s an essential skill for researchers committed to making a tangible impact with their work.
The presentation will cover how to present your research story as well as tactical elements such as what to put on PowerPoint slides or the whiteboard in a classroom. Attendees will take away strategies and tactics to ensure your research not only informs but also leaves a lasting impression and drives meaningful change.
This free online session is open to all, but researchers who will present papers at the 2025 Supply Chain Research Summit are especially urged to attend.
About the speaker:
Dominic Essuman is a lecturer in sustainable management at the University of Shefﬁeld, United Kingdom. His research interests revolve around supply chain strategy, resilience and sustainability.
His research has been published in top-tier academic journals, including the International Journal of Production Economics, Journal of International Business Studies and Journal of Business Logistics. In December 2023, Essuman co-led a popular CARISCA Training on “Defending Your Thesis at Viva,” during which he outlined how to design and deliver an effective research presentation.

Writing a High-Impact Journal Article from Your Thesis or Dissertation
2025-06-23 15:00 - 17:00
Producing a strong doctoral thesis is a major achievement, but transforming it into a publishable journal article requires a different approach. Journals look for concise narratives, clear contributions, and crisp positioning within the literature. Without careful reframing, even the most rigorous dissertations can struggle to find a home in top‑tier outlets.
In this CARISCA training on June 23, Prof. Nathaniel Boso will guide you through the process of reshaping your thesis or dissertation into a compelling journal manuscript. Drawing on his extensive publication record and editorial insights, he will show you how to highlight your key findings, sharpen your story, and meet the expectations of journal editors and reviewers.
What you will learn:

How to distill a lengthy thesis into a focused article that emphasizes originality and theoretical contribution
Strategies for crafting an engaging introduction and literature review that position your work at the frontiers of the field
Techniques for presenting methodology and results in a way that aligns with journal conventions
Tips for responding effectively to reviewer feedback and navigating the submission process
Best practices for selecting the right target journals and tailoring your paper to their audiences
This free online workshop is open to all doctoral students and early‑career researchers who want to turn their dissertations into published papers.

About the speaker:
Prof. Nathaniel Boso is an award-winning scholar whose research appears in leading outlets such as the Journal of Business Venturing and Journal of International Business Studies. He serves as Director of CARISCA and holds the OR Tambo Africa Research Chair. He is Extraordinary Professor of International Business at the University of Pretoria in South Africa and Visiting Professor at Strathmore University in Kenya. His combined experience as author, editor, and reviewer gives him unique insights into what distinguishes a high‑impact journal article.

2025 Supply Chain Research Summit
2025-07-16 - 2025-07-18 | Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja
The summit is central to CARISCA’s goal to integrate Africa’s supply chain research into mainstream research and strengthen African supply chain capacity. It is the largest academic supply chain conference on the continent.
This year we are moving the event from Ghana to Nigeria, Africa’s most-populated country. This move will further CARISCA’s vision of becoming a pan-African hub for supply chain education, research and practice.
The summit is set for July 16-18, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. As in previous years, the 2025 Summit will be a hybrid event. The in-person venue is the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja. Virtual attendees will participate via Zoom.
Presentations will revolve around the theme “Reimagining Africa’s Supply Chains for a Sustainable Future.”
Registration for the summit will open soon! We encourage you to sign up as soon as possible once it does—space is limited, and we anticipate spots will fill quickly.
“The summit is a can’t-miss event for supply chain management scholars from Africa and around the world,” says Dale Rogers, CARISCA’s executive director. “In only a few years, it has become the place where new research ideas relevant to Africa are developed and presented.”
Learn more: summit2025.carisca.org

Second annual Supply Chain Business Forum and Exhibition
2025-07-30 - 2025-07-31 | Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana
Business leaders and supply chain experts will gather July 30-31,2025, at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, for CARISCA’s second annual Supply Chain Business Forum and Exhibition. Over the two days, keynote speakers and panelists will lead discussions on the theme “Fueling Africa’s Growth: Supply Chain Innovation and Financing.”
The goal of the forum is to enhance supply chain management practices across the continent. The event is targeted to business and industry leaders and academics with strong business ties or who conduct applied research that can enhance supply chain management practices in Africa.
The inaugural event, held in July, attracted nearly 280 participants from six countries. Among attendees who completed a post-event survey, 94% said they would return next year.
The Business Forum will feature prominent entrepreneurs, business executives and academics as keynote speakers, panelists and session leaders. The event also will offer ample time for networking and exploring the exhibition space, where leading companies will showcase their products and services.
Attendees will gain abundant opportunities to learn about and discuss the best supply chain practices throughout Africa and how leading-edge university research can support African businesses.
Registration
Early-bird pricing for the 2025 Business Forum and Exhibition is available until April 30. Groups of five or more from the same company can receive a discount on registration. Seats are limited, and we expect the event to sell out quickly.
Registration is limited to in-person attendees. While most CARISCA events are hybrid, the Business Forum is an exception so that participants and sponsors gain full advantage from the exhibition space and networking opportunities.
To register for the event or learn more about becoming a sponsor or exhibitor, visit cariscabusinessforum.com.

Workshop: Building and Defending African Context Specific Theory in Business and Management Research
2025-08-20 10:00 - 2025-08-21 15:00 | CARISCA Accra Office
In business and management research, Africa has often been treated as a site for applying Western theories rather than developing its own. For African scholars, there is a growing imperative not only to produce knowledge but to anchor that knowledge in the unique realities of the continent.
Africa has too often been treated as merely a setting for applying Western theories. But its distinctive institutional environments, informal economies, and indigenous practices call for a shift from theory application to theory building.
Constructing African context-specific theory means developing frameworks that are grounded in African realities frameworks that reflect how firms innovate, lead, and succeed amid deep complexity and limited resources. Defending these theories is equally vital: it ensures that they are recognized and respected in global academic discourse, helping to rebalance the dominance of Western perspectives.
Africa is not just a backdrop for research. It is a rich, underutilized source of theory. Grounding your research in African contexts enables you to generate insights that are locally relevant and globally significant.
This session will be led by Nathaniel Boso, PhD, a leading African scholar whose work has shaped global conversations in international business and marketing. Boso will discuss how to build theory that captures the African business experience and how to defend that theory in journals, conferences, and global academic forums.
The training will cover:

Understand the importance of contextualizing business and management research in Africa.
Learn practical frameworks for developing Africa-centered theories.
Gain strategies to defend and publish Africa-focused research.
Connect with a network of scholars and practitioners passionate about African knowledge creation.
Be empowered to challenge dominant narratives and contribute original, globally relevant research questions.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped to move from applying external theories to actively building and championing African knowledge for Africa and the world.
This is a hybrid event. In-person seats are limited. Register to secure your spot. In-person: KNUST Accra Office, KNUST Guest House, Osu || Virtually via Zoom.
About the speaker:
Nathaniel Boso is a globally recognized scholar whose research focuses on the intersection of international entrepreneurship, industrial marketing, and supply chain strategy. His work has appeared in top journals such as the Journal of Business Venturing, Journal of International Business Studies, and the International Journal of Production Economics.
Boso has received numerous international accolades for his scholarship. In 2021, his article “(How) Does Africa Matter for International Business Scholarship?” won the Academy of International Business Insight Outstanding Article Award. In 2019, he authored the Journal of International Marketing article recognized for making the most significant contribution to the field that year.
He currently serves as the OR Tambo Africa Research Chair and director of CARISCA. He also holds academic appointments at the University of Pretoria in South Africa and Strathmore University in Kenya.

The Future of Supply Chain Planning: Harnessing Data, Technology, and Human Insight
2025-09-30 17:00 - 18:30
The rapid evolution of technology is transforming supply chain operations. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital platforms now help businesses monitor products, anticipate needs, and respond rapidly. Machines recognize patterns, while humans provide intent and context.
At the next Distinguished Lecture Series on September 30, Prince Boadu, CSCP, CMILT, will present “The Future of Supply Chain Planning: Harnessing Data, Technology, and Human Insight.”
Computers can detect demand surges or transport delays, but they cannot resolve broader issues such as sustainability, priorities, or reputation risks. Boadu will highlight why digital tools cannot replace human judgment.
During the lecture, Boadu will cite examples of leading enterprises such as Amazon, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and Zara, which showcase the balance between digital tools and human expertise.
His message is clear: the future of supply chain planning is not machines against humans. Progress lies in collaboration, blending digital speed with human insight to ensure resilience.
About the speaker
Prince Boadu is a Program Manager for Supply Chain at Google, where he plays a key role in powering the tech behind the cloud. Based in the EMEA region, Boadu leads the development and delivery of high performance electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems at Google. He has over decade experience within the supply chain space across multiple industries.
Before joining Google, Boadu held strategic supply chain roles at global giants like Merck KGaA, Procter & Gamble and myTomorrows. He has experience in both the rigor of large corporations and the agility of startups across Germany and the Netherlands.
Boadu co-founded Kumasi Hive, a hardware innovation hub in Ghana that empowers entrepreneurs to turn ideas into tangible products. There, he and his team championed rapid prototyping, hardware design, and tech-enabled entrepreneurship, proving that meaningful impact starts at the grassroots.
In 2016, Boadu was recognized in the FORBES Africa 30 under 30 list of young entrepreneurs championing impact and change. He is also an Atlantic Dialogues Emerging leading under the auspices of the Policy for New South (PCNS), Morocco. Boadu is a member of the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) and the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).

Framework for Analyzing and Addressing Methodological Challenges in OSCM Research on African Contexts
2025-11-17 16:00 - 18:00
Research in operations and supply chain management (OSCM) is shaped by widely recognized methodological conventions. Some of these conventions come from general scientific principles, while others have developed through disciplinary traditions. These conventions continue to be reinforced by the academic environments that have historically led the OSCM field.
However, research conducted in African contexts often encounters challenges when these conventions are applied without adjustment. Publication gatekeepers may evaluate African-based studies using the same expectations applied to research conducted in more represented contexts. As a result, researchers can face two main difficulties: conducting the research itself in environments that differ from assumed norms and demonstrating adherence to conventions that may not fully align with the realities of their context. In some cases, the unique features of African settings make adapting or departing from standard conventions both necessary and appropriate.
On November 17, Dr. Dominic Essuman, a lecturer from the University of Sheffield, will introduce a practical framework for understanding and addressing these methodological challenges. The framework draws from multi-sourced Africa-specific data and is designed to support scholars in navigating research design, execution, and publication in leading OSCM journals.
Dr. Essuman will discuss two major sets of methodological challenges: those associated with the researcher’s institutional environment and those shaped by the resource environment. The session will highlight how certain limitations can be transformed into opportunities that strengthen research quality and relevance in African contexts.
Participants will gain practical guidance on when to adopt existing methodological conventions, when to adapt them to fit context, and when to innovate entirely new approaches. The session will also emphasize how to clearly communicate methodological decisions and reasoning to publication gatekeepers while maintaining rigor and scholarly confidence.
About the Speaker
Dr. Dominic Essuman is an Editor of the Africa Initiative of the International Journal of Operations & Production Management and a Lecturer in Sustainable Management at the University of Sheffield. His research has been published in leading journals including the Journal of International Business Studies, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Journal of Business Logistics, International Journal of Production Economics, and Supply Chain Management: An International Journal.
He holds a Ph.D. in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) in the UK. Dr. Essuman is deeply committed to advancing OSCM scholarship across Africa and has collaborated with CARISCA to deliver multiple research capacity-building programs.

Continuing Professional Development - Introduction to Supply Chain Analytics
2025-11-20 14:00 - 17:00
CARISCA CPDs Are Back!
CARISCA is excited to announce the return of our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses!
To kick things off, we’re introducing two free introductory sessions open to all our stakeholders and the public. These sessions are designed to build foundational knowledge in key areas of supply chain management and prepare participants for future in-depth CPD offerings.
Introduction to Supply Chain Analytics
Date: November 20, 2025Time: 2–5 p.m. GMTMode: Online via ZoomRegister: bit.ly/CARISCACPDs
As supply chains become more data-driven, analytics skills are essential for informed decision-making. This course introduces participants to the fundamentals of Supply Chain Analytics from data collection to analysis for operational and strategic improvement.
Facilitator
Dr. John Serbe MarfoSenior Lecturer, KNUST School of Business
Dr John Serbe Marfo is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems at the KNUST School of Business. He has a PhD in Information Systems. He is a researcher and a consultant in supply chain digitalization, information systems, health informatics, big data analytics and eLearning. His recent research work in supply chain digitalization focuses on the use of drone technology as a logistics tool to improve health care delivery and supply chains.
Learn more about our other CPD course, Introduction to Reverse Logistics

Supply Chain Design, Digital Twins and Stress Testing for Resilience
2025-11-24 17:00 - 18:30
Supply chains move materials and goods from origin to consumption. They deliver products that feed us, keep us healthy, and support our daily lives. Efficient supply chains are vital for strong economies and stable communities.
However, designing and managing supply chains is challenging. Today’s world faces frequent disruptions such as extreme weather, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions. These events test how well supply chains can adapt and recover.
On November 24, Professor Chelsea C. White III (Chip) will discuss “Supply Chain Design, Digital Twins, & Stress Testing for Resilience.” He will explain how to design supply chains that deliver quality products efficiently and remain resilient during disruptions.
The presentation will begin with an overview of how supply chains are structured and operated. It will then explore how to manage risks and recover from disruptions effectively. Professor White will use the semiconductor industry as a key example, highlighting its complexity and global challenges.
He will introduce digital twins, virtual models that represent real supply chains. These models help organizations test different scenarios and identify weak points before real disruptions occur. Participants will learn the steps to create digital twins of supply chains, facilities, and manufacturing processes.
The session will also explain the Bullwhip Effect, showing how small changes in demand can cause large fluctuations upstream. Attendees will discover how this effect impacts suppliers and overall performance.
By the end of the presentation, participants will understand how digital tools can strengthen resilience, improve decision-making, and reduce risk in supply chain operations.
About the Speaker
Professor Chelsea C. White III (Chip) is the Schneider National Chair of Transportation & Logistics at Georgia Institute of Technology. He is also a Professor in the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering.
He has received multiple IEEE Lifetime Achievement Awards and is a Fellow of IEEE and INFORMS. He has served on several global boards, including Con-way, Inc., the ITS World Congress, and the World Economic Forum Trade Facilitation Council.
His current research focuses on Next-Generation digital twin platforms that improve supply chain performance and resilience. Professor White combines academic insight with industry experience to help build smarter, stronger supply chains.

Continuing Professional Development - Introduction to Reverse Logistics
2025-12-04 14:00 - 17:00
CARISCA CPDs Are Back!
CARISCA is excited to announce the return of our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses!To kick things off, we’re introducing two free introductory sessions open to all our stakeholders and the public. These sessions are designed to build foundational knowledge in key areas of supply chain management and prepare participants for future in-depth CPD offerings.
Introduction to Reverse Logistics
Date: December 4, 2025Time: 2–5 p.m. GMTMode: Online via ZoomRegister: bit.ly/CARISCACPDs
Reverse logistics is gaining importance as organizations pursue sustainability and circular supply chain strategies. This course introduces participants to the concepts and processes involved in managing the flow of products and materials back through the supply chain.
Facilitator
Dr. Simon Peter NadeemSenior Program Manager, LEARN Logistics by the Kühne Foundation
He oversees the PhD program across several countries in Africa, supports CARSICA, and leads the development of academic research activities across the region.
Dr Nadeem is an established academic with extensive teaching and research experience. His last academic role was as a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) at the University of Derby, United Kingdom.
Dr Nadeem’s academic expertise and research interests span Operations Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Circular Economy, Sustainability, and Business Process Reengineering. Dr Nadeem is an active researcher with international collaborations and has published in high-ranking peer-reviewed journals. He is also frequently invited as a Keynote Speaker at international conferences and academic institutions.
Learn more about our othe CPD course, Introduction to Supply Chain Analytics

Research Capacity-Building Workshop with guest editors from IJLM
2026-02-11 14:00 - 16:00
On February 11, 2026, CARISCA will host a Research Capacity-Building Workshop featuring guest editors from The International Journal of Logistics Management (IJLM). The workshop is designed to strengthen the research skills and publication readiness of faculty and graduate students across Africa.
In this context, the upcoming workshop will introduce participants to the role and importance of paper development workshops for scholarly publishing. The session will feature key statistics on submissions to IJLM, including acceptance and rejection rates and will highlight the most common reasons for desk rejections.
The workshop will then examine the techniques and methodologies valued by leading supply chain journals. Special attention will be given to IJLM’s requirements, supported by examples of published papers featuring African contexts. These examples illustrate how rigorous empirical research can generate original insights that advance the field.
Participants will also explore how to position contributions that address local, practical supply chain challenges while advancing theory in operations and supply chain management. Aligning context-specific relevance with theoretical contribution remains a core expectation across top journals.
Finally, the session will conclude with guidance on formatting and submission standards. Using examples from the current IJLM special issue, editors will outline key structural and stylistic elements required of successful manuscripts.
About the Speakers
Prof. MJ Naude is a full professor in the School of Commerce, specializing in Supply Chain Management across undergraduate, postgraduate, master’s and PhD levels. Her expertise spans purchasing, operations and logistics management. She is an NRF-rated researcher with publications and conference presentations in South Africa and abroad. Prof. Naude has served on the editorial boards of the Journal of Contemporary Management and the Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management.
Célestin ELOCK SON is associate professor of logistics and supply chain management at the Institute of Technology (IUT) of Moselle-Est, Université de Lorraine, France. He is a member of CEREFIGE, and his research focuses on food supply chains and emerging distribution models driven by digitalization and Industry 4.0. He is currently a Guest Editor for The International Journal of Logistics Management.

Dealing with Desk Rejections and Addressing Reviewer Comments
2026-03-25 12:00 - 13:30
Publishing in reputable journals remains one of the most important and often most challenging aspects of an academic career. For many African researchers, especially early-career scholars, navigating desk rejections and responding effectively to reviewer feedback can feel daunting. Yet these experiences are a normal part of the scholarly journey and, when approached strategically, can become powerful learning opportunities.
Recognizing this need, we are organizing a capacity-building training session designed to equip African faculty and emerging researchers with practical tools to improve their chances of publication success. This session will focus on understanding why manuscripts are desk-rejected, how to interpret and respond constructively to reviewer comments, and how to revise and resubmit papers in ways that strengthen their contribution and clarity.
During the session, participants will gain insights into:

Understanding common reasons for desk rejections
Strategies for responding constructively to reviewer comments
Best practices for revising and resubmitting manuscripts
Practical tips to improve publication success in reputable journals

This training is particularly valuable for researchers seeking to publish in high-quality journals and for those looking to build confidence in engaging with the peer review process. By learning directly from an experienced editor and scholar, participants will gain actionable guidance to navigate the publication journey more effectively.
About Speaker:
We are honoured to have Lilac Nachum, Professor of International Business at Leeds University Business School, as the facilitator. With more than three decades of teaching, publishing, and consulting experience, she brings deep insight into the academic publishing process. She is a Fellow of the Academy of International Business and serves in editorial roles across leading journals, including the Journal of International Business Studies, the Journal of International Business Policy, and the Africa Journal of Management. Her work on globalization and global supply chains has earned multiple awards and has been widely cited in both academic and policy circles.
Join us as we support African researchers in turning feedback into opportunity and advancing their scholarly impact.
