The demand for skilled, knowledgeable, suitably qualified supply chain professionals has never been greater, according to supply chain industry body SAPICS. The organisation recently hosted an important workshop to explore the different education and skills development options available to African supply chain practitioners seeking to design and refine their career paths. The workshop highlighted that there is not a one size fits all approach to a successful supply chain management career but a variety of paths encompassing formal education, globally recognised certifications, short courses, accreditation and continuous professional development.

Supply chain experts Karen Pretorius and Ruben Lawrenz shared their insights and personal journeys in the workshop. Pretorius is a supply chain consultant, project manager, trainer and the founder of KPI Cubed. Lawrenz is a supply chain educator with deep experience in Demand Driven Material Requirements Planning (DDMRP) implementation. They both noted that there is no single “correct” journey to supply chain excellence.

Lawrenz emphasised that a supply chain career, like the supply chain itself, does not follow linear steps but is intentionally designed, with a clear goal. Professionals often start in reactive roles such as demand planning, before progressing into balancing roles like supply planning, and eventually moving into strategic leadership through integrated business planning roles. “Each transition requires a shift in mindset: from reacting to events, to balancing trade-offs, to aligning with business strategy, and ultimately, to shaping that strategy. Education - both formal and informal - is what enables these shifts in a supply chain career,” he said.

Pretorius outlined how supply chain career stages typically evolve: from individual contributor to subject matter expert, then into management and executive roles. At each stage, different types of learning and credentials become relevant, she noted.

This is where organisations like SAPICS and its international education partners - including the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), the Demand Driven Institute (DDI), the Institute of Business Forecasting (IBF) and the International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA) - play a pivotal role.

Certifications like the APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), all of which are offered by SAPICS and its Authorised Education Partners, are more than credentials. These internationally recognised certifications signal to employers worldwide that a professional meets rigorous global standards.

As Pretorius noted, these certifications may not always sit neatly within national qualification frameworks, but their industry relevance is undeniable. They provide global credibility and mobility and specialised expertise in key supply chain domains. They also prepare supply chain professionals for leadership and strategic roles.

Pretorius also highlighted the importance of formal qualifications that are aligned to national frameworks such as the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). “Degrees, diplomas and postgraduate studies are often vital for progression into senior roles, particularly in large organisations. However, the key is intentionality. Supply chain professionals must decide whether they are pursuing academic credentials, career advancement or a balance of both.”

Importantly, both speakers acknowledged that not everyone thrives in traditional academic environments. There are multiple pathways into and through the supply chain profession.

Short courses, many of which are non-accredited, play a critical role in building niche skills in areas like analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability.  They are also important to keep pace with technological change and can support personal and professional growth. 

While these may not always carry formal credits, they can contribute to recognition of prior learning and enhance workplace performance.

Pretorius also pointed out that free and low-cost learning opportunities from global institutions and online platforms are increasingly accessible, lowering barriers to entry for many supply chain professionals in Africa.

A recurring theme from both Pretorius and Lawrenz was the need for continuous learning. In a rapidly evolving field, static knowledge quickly becomes obsolete.

Through SAPICS and its affiliation with APICS, certified professionals maintain their credentials via continuous professional development (CPD). This includes attending conferences, completing short courses and engaging with industry knowledge platforms. This model ensures that professionals remain relevant while continuously expanding their capabilities.

Another important insight shared by Pretorius is that career success does not always mean moving into people management or executive leadership. “Many professionals choose to remain subject matter experts, building deep technical expertise or transitioning into consulting roles. Others may prioritise work-life balance or pursue alternative career paths. Education pathways - whether through formal qualifications, certifications, or short courses - can support all of these trajectories.”

Africa’s supply chains are at a turning point. To compete globally and respond to local challenges, the continent needs skilled, adaptable and forward-thinking professionals.

The journeys shared by Pretorius and Lawrenz offered some key education lessons for supply chain professionals: be intentional about your career design; invest in both structured education and continuous learning; and leverage globally recognised certifications to unlock opportunities.

For organisations, a competitive advantage lies in supporting these journeys and partnering with bodies like SAPICS to build capability and future-proof their talent. In a profession defined by change, learning is not a phase; it is a lifelong commitment and a strategic advantage, SAPICS stresses.