These trends will be on the agenda at the 2026 SAPICS Conference, Africa’s leading gathering for supply chain professionals. Attendees from across the continent and beyond will explore how technology, collaboration and smarter planning can drive stronger supply chain performance in an increasingly volatile environment.

Among the companies contributing to these conversations is supply chain planning specialist Slimstock, which has confirmed its sponsorship of the 2026 SAPICS Conference for the second consecutive year, reflecting its ongoing commitment to advancing supply chain excellence, innovation and professional development across Africa. Slimstock will also share insights on how organisations can translate AI into practical improvements in forecasting, inventory management and overall supply chain performance during a panel discussion at the conference.

According to Slimstock, one of the most significant shifts currently shaping the industry is the growing strategic importance of artificial intelligence in supply chain planning. “In South Africa’s unique market landscape, standard operational resilience is no longer enough. True market leadership belongs to companies that transform their supply chain planning from a back-office utility into a frontline commercial strategy,” says Ruvahn Govender, Africa Regional Manager at Slimstock. “At Slimstock, we focus on applying next-generation technologies to practical supply chain use cases. This enables organisations to reduce stock levels and working capital while improving product availability for customers- ultimately driving stronger financial and operational performance.”

Against the backdrop of rapid advances in technology in the supply chain sphere, the importance of continuous learning and skills development has also never been greater, and Slimstock recognises the vital role played by SAPICS. “As digital tools and AI capabilities become more embedded in supply chain operations, new technical and analytical skills are essential for supply chain professionals aiming to leverage advanced planning technologies. The SAPICS Conference offers a vital platform for learning, knowledge sharing, collaboration and practical industry engagement. Sponsoring this important event aligns closely with Slimstock’s purpose of helping organisations build smarter, more resilient and more sustainable supply chains through knowledge-sharing, collaboration and innovation,” says Ioana Bruma, Head of Events & Partnerships at Slimstock MEA.

The organisation also recognises the importance of the annual SAPICS Conference not just to showcase emerging technologies and industry trends but also to strengthen collaboration across the supply chain ecosystem. “Modern supply chain challenges cannot be solved in isolation. Stronger partnerships and knowledge sharing ultimately lead to more resilient and better-performing supply chains,” Govender states.

Commenting on SAPICS’s 60th anniversary celebrations this year, he says: “SAPICS’s 60th anniversary reflects the strength, significance and continued evolution of supply chain management across Africa. Slimstock is proud to support the growing SAPICS community of supply chain professionals and this year’s milestone event that brings people together to learn, forge partnerships and advance supply chain excellence.”