Beyond moving goods: How AI and green strategy are redefining SSA Logistics

In interviews with Jasen Smallbone, Senior Director at DHL Express and Annelie Govender, Human Resource Director (as well as ESG and Corporate Social Responsibility Lead) at Vector Logistics it became clear that SSA logistics leaders are no longer responding reactively to change. Instead, they are embedding automation, energy resilience and regulatory agility directly into their operating models.

Technological Advancements

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation have brought about revolutionary changes to operations in every sector, particularly in logistics. AI's ability to enhance predictive analysis and process optimisation has benefited the sector, particularly in planning courier routes and optimising last-mile delivery.

"Everything is now automated,” says Smallbone, who has been in the industry for 25 years. “Gone are the days of manually filling in waybills.”

Smallbone says automated systems prevent human errors and ensure that shipments meet all preset specifications before they are collected, reducing human error and enabling smoother, more efficient operations. From a cold chain perspective, Govender sees the same technology trajectory playing out in practical, high-stakes operating contexts.

She points to advanced warehouse management systems (WMS), IoT-enabled temperature monitoring, AI-driven demand forecasting, and mixed telematics and fleet analytics as increasingly central to performance and compliance in refrigerated logistics.

“Clients no longer just want to know the delivery day. They are looking for complete visibility, which includes information like where their product is and what condition it’s in at any moment,” she adds.

The Down Side to Tech

Despite the benefits of tech-influenced processes, Smallbone says technological integration does pose a challenge, particularly in regions with less developed telecommunications infrastructures. For instance, some countries are still using 2G networks, which can hinder the efficiency of the electronic processes essential for modern logistics operations. In many African countries, electricity supply can also be unreliable, making it necessary for companies to have backup generators to ensure continuous operations.

Green Logistics

Sustainability has become a key focus in the logistics sector, driven by a high sense of urgency in reducing business costs, environmental impact and conforming with regulations. The adoption of eco-friendly practices, such as the use of electric vehicles, sustainable aviation fuel, and energy-efficient warehouses, is reshaping how logistics operates.

These Green Logistics initiatives not only reduce carbon footprints but also improve operational effectiveness and enhance the cost-efficiency of services.

Smallbone points to DHL Express’ investment in sustainable facilities and business practices, including a South African facility built to operate off-grid (with rainwater capture and extensive solar capacity) and initiatives such as Go Green Plus, which supports the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel and promotes greener transportation options. He also notes active testing of electric vehicles and motorbikes in selected African markets, including South Africa. Govender’s perspective reinforces how, in SSA context, sustainability often doubles as a resilience strategy.

In response to load shedding and rising fuel and energy costs, Vector Logistics invested heavily in solar across warehouse facilities, introduced innovations such as e-axles and solar panels on refrigeration units, and explored electric trucks for defined short-haul delivery radii (enabled by on-site charging infrastructure), she said.

Customer-Centricity

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards customer-centricity, with logistics operations aiming for supply chain excellence that is global, resilient and sustainable. As a result, companies in the sector are encouraged to put their customers at the centre of every decision and leverage technology to best meet their needs.

“People are becoming more mindful of the need to ship cost-effectively while still maintaining high service levels," says Smallbone.

Govender says trust is particularly complex when logistics providers serve competing principals in the same ecosystem. In these environments, safeguarding sensitive commercial information (pricing, volumes, key performance metrics) becomes central to customer confidence. She says an active focus on data security and cyber risk awareness, including preparation activities connected to information security standards, are vital.

Conclusion

The logistics industry is at a pivotal point, with technological advancements, sustainability initiatives and evolving market dynamics. 

The overarching perspectives expressed by both Govender and Smallbone reinforce a clear message for SSA Logistics leaders: competitive advantage will increasingly be determined by how effectively organisations connect technology, sustainability and people strategy in complex operating environments