Supply and logistics go digital

It is often seen that African countries and other emerging economies leapfrog over the more established nations when it comes to adopting digital technology. In Uganda, it was reported last week that the International Growth Centre partnered with 13 dairy cooperatives in Western Uganda to implement a technology that sends farmers SMS messages twice per week, summarising the volume of milk delivered and recorded in their name at the cooperative. These digital receipts provide farmers with timely, verifiable information, making it easier to spot discrepancies, monitor delivery outcomes and take corrective action if needed. Which is good news for the farmer and the consumer in that area of the country, as their dairy gets delivered and they know about it. These are simple, digital solutions to an ongoing issue.

It also shows the issue of logistics continues to be the key in all supply chains, especially in dairy. For example, the Gulfood exhibition and trade show, has added Gulfood Logistics to its January offering in Dubai this year.

The move comes as the global logistics and transportation market is projected to grow from US$9.4 (€8.09) trillion in 2024 to $23 (€19.79) trillion by 2035, underlining the strategic economic weight of logistics in global trade and food supply systems. As global food systems become more interconnected, the logistics networks, cold-chain systems and freight innovations that underpin the world’s food supply and the cross-border cooperation that enables them become more important. At a time when an estimated 70-90% of global trade value moves by sea, logistics efficiency has become a strategic economic lever, directly shaping global GDP, supply reliability and consumer access.

Keeping track of where the food is, and when it lands, is crucial for ensuring a safe and reliable supply chain. Without it, we lose the safety and security of the dairy products.