Now in their fifth year, the awards have grown steadily in both scale and impact, reflecting the increasingly central role that supply chains play in economic growth, business continuity and social progress across the continent, the organisers state. “More than ever, there is a need to highlight and share the success stories of organisations that are not only adapting to change but actively shaping the future of supply chain management in Africa,” says ASCEA director Liesl De Wet.

“Supply chains are the backbone of economic growth. They do much more than simply get goods from A to B. They are key to businesses’ growth and success; to strong, healthy communities; a more resilient continent; and to protecting and preserving the planet. These awards recognise organisations that are setting new standards for supply chain management in Africa. With the deadline approaching, we encourage companies not to miss this opportunity to gain recognition and inspire others.”

In a significant milestone for the programme’s fifth year, the Newlyn Group has come on board as the first-ever Headline Sponsor of ASCEA. This partnership reflects both the growing credibility of the awards and the shared commitment to advancing supply chain excellence across Africa.

“Newlyn Group is proud to be the headline sponsor of the 2026 Africa Supply Chain Excellence Awards. As a business involved in the development of modern logistics and industrial infrastructure, we understand the critical role that efficient supply chains play in enabling trade, supporting industry and keeping our economy moving,” comments Raj Balmakhun, CEO, Newlyn Group. “These awards recognise the people and the organisations whose work strengthens the sector and drives progress across Africa,” he adds.

Categories for ASCEA submissions span the full supply chain ecosystem - from manufacturing, procurement and logistics to warehousing, distribution and transport, as well as key focus areas such as sustainability, humanitarian and healthcare supply chains, digital transformation and skills development.

Beyond recognition, participation in ASCEA 2026 provides a valuable benchmarking opportunity for entrants, enabling them to measure their performance against industry best practices while gaining visibility among peers, clients and decision-makers. All submissions are assessed through a rigorous and transparent judging process by a panel of experienced industry experts from diverse backgrounds, including logistics, manufacturing, retail and academia.

“The feedback from our judges is one of the most valuable aspects of the awards,” adds De Wet. “They bring deep industry insight and play an important role in helping entrants refine and strengthen their submissions.”

Additional sponsors supporting the 2026 programme include Forte Supply Chain Solutions, BidAir Cargo, DP World and Standard Bank. ASCEA’s event partners this year are The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Logis-T Africa, Road Freight Association (RFA), SAPICS, Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering (SAIIE), South African Express Parcel Association (SAEPA), Smart Procurement World, Supply Chain First, Supply Chain Now, Upavon Management and the Transport Forum.

The winners of ASCEA 2026 will be announced at a Gala Dinner on 19 August 2026.