Factors Contributing to Expiry of Medicines in Public Health Facilities: A Regional Comparative Study of Tanzania and Uganda.

Gladness Salema (PI) and Tusiime Wilson

Grant:  USD 15,000
Project Duration: September 2023 – On going
University: University of Dar es Salaam and Makerere University
Countries: Tanzania and Uganda​​​​​​

This study explores the factors contributing to medicine expiry in public hospitals, health centres and dispensaries in Tanzania and Uganda. It examines factors associated with medicine expiry, significant predictors, differences between public health facilities and the influence of country-specific contexts. Using case studies, interviews, surveys and supply chain mapping, the research will develop and test a model explaining medicine expiry and its contributing factors, providing evidence to support improvements in public healthcare supply chains.

An Investigation into Nigeria's Logistics and Supply Chain Challenges Within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

Samuel Odewumi (PI)

Grant: USD 10,000
Duration: October 2023 – June 2024
Samuel Odewumi (PI)
University: Lagos State University
Country: Nigeria

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is designed to facilitate the free movement of goods and services and strengthen intra-African trade. This project investigates logistics and supply chain challenges that could become impediments to achieving these objectives. The research seeks to identify key logistics barriers and develop potential solutions that can enhance the effectiveness of AfCFTA, strengthen regional trade and improve the ability of African economies to benefit from the opportunities created by the continental free trade area.

Enablers and Barriers to Environmental Sustainability Practices in Logistic Operations of SMEs

Peterson Obara Magutu (PI), David Antwi, Nantongo Nabiira, Isabella Kasiko, Alawa Segun, Mansur Lubabah Kwanbo, and Kidusan Ejimo

Grant: USD 15,000
Duration: October 2023 – June 2025
Universities: University of Nairobi, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Makerere University Business School and Lagos State University
Countries: Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Nigeria

This project examines the factors that enable or constrain environmental sustainability practices within the logistics operations of SMEs in Africa. It focuses on areas including procurement, inventory management, distribution, packaging, transportation and warehousing. The research explores barriers such as limited financial resources, environmental regulations and lack of expertise, alongside enablers including employee training, management support, regulatory engagement and green initiatives. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study aims to identify how SMEs can better integrate environmental sustainability into their logistics operations.

An Investigation on Sustainability Orientation Among Supply Chain and Logistics University Graduates in Tanzania

Gerald Zachary Paga Tinali (PI), Yusta Wilson Simwita and Musa Nkuba Shelembi

Grant: USD 10,000
Duration: January 2024 – June 2024
University: University of Dar es Salaam
Country: Tanzania

This study examines the extent to which university graduates in Supply Chain and Logistics in Tanzania are oriented towards sustainability. Focusing on graduates from 2021 and 2022, the research explores their sustainability awareness, orientation and consideration of sustainability criteria in production, operations and decision-making. It also examines the role of university–industry linkages in fostering sustainability-oriented graduates. The study uses qualitative and quantitative approaches and aims to generate evidence through research reports, policy briefs, journal publications and conference outputs.

Fostering Horticulture Supply Chain in Two Selected Districts of Rwanda Under Extreme Climate Events: Hybrid Machine Learning and Metaheuristic Model

Theogene Rizinde (PI)

Grant: USD 10,000
Duration: February 2024 – March 2025
University: University of Rwanda
Country: Rwanda

Extreme weather events are increasingly affecting Rwanda's fruit and vegetable supply chains, creating challenges for the sustainability of these perishable products. This project focuses on Nyabihu and Bugesera districts and proposes a novel framework to support more resilient horticulture supply chains. The research combines machine learning predictive algorithms with a metaheuristic model to better understand and respond to climate-related challenges affecting the supply of fruits and vegetables.

Health Care Facilities Resilient to Climate Change Impact in Ethiopia: A Study on the Readiness of Health Supply Chains

Arebu Issa Bilal

Grant: USD 10,000
Duration: March 2024 – March 2025
University: Addis Ababa University School of Pharmacy
Country: Ethiopia

Climate change and extreme weather events are creating increasing challenges for healthcare facilities and supply chains. This study assesses the readiness and adaptability of Ethiopia's health supply chains, with a particular focus on the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Services. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research examines climate-related vulnerabilities, supply chain disruptions and stakeholder perspectives on resilience. The project aims to develop evidence-based recommendations and resilience strategies that can strengthen healthcare supply chains and support Ethiopia's response to climate change.

Adoption and Ex-post Evaluation of Zero Energy Postharvest Technologies

Research Team: Prof. John Mburu and Dr. Esther Mujuka (PI)

Grant: USD 10,000
Duration: February 2024 – March 2025
University: University of Nairobi
Country: Kenya

This project examines the adoption and impact of zero-energy postharvest technologies among smallholder mango farmers in Kenya. Fruit postharvest losses remain a significant challenge, while sustainable technologies such as zero-energy brick coolers and tunnel solar dryers offer potential solutions. The research assesses the adoption of these technologies in Embu and Machakos Counties and their impact on household income, comparing adopters and non-adopters. Findings are intended to inform the development and promotion of climate-smart postharvest technologies.

Investigating the Role of Leadership and Employee Commitment in Strengthening Climate Change Resilience within the Health Supply Chain in Ethiopia

Tadesse Gudeta (PI)

Grant: USD 10,000
Duration: February 2024 – March 2025
University: Jimma University
Country: Ethiopia

Climate change creates substantial challenges for healthcare supply chains, increasing the need for effective strategies to maintain essential healthcare products and services. This project investigates the role of leadership and employee commitment in strengthening climate change resilience within Ethiopia's health supply chain. The research addresses the limited evidence available on how leadership and employee commitment influence the implementation of resilient healthcare supply chains and seeks to contribute insights that can support stronger responses to climate-related challenges.

Sustainable Supply Chain Orientation, Relational Capability, Operational Flexibility and Firm Competitiveness: A Comparative Study in the East and West African Food Cold Chain Industry

David Antwi (PI), Isaac Akurugu Apike, Ogochukwu Ugboma and Welderabrha Kiros

Grant: USD 15,000
Project Duration: February 2024 – March 2025
Universities: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Lagos State University and Mekelle University
Countries: Ghana, Nigeria and Ethiopia

This project investigates how sustainable supply chain orientation can contribute to firm competitiveness in the temperature-sensitive food cold chain industry. Focusing on Ghana, Nigeria and Ethiopia, the study addresses challenges associated with maintaining food quality and safety where cold-chain infrastructure and modern equipment are limited. It examines how operational flexibility influences the relationship between sustainable supply chain orientation and firm competitiveness, while also considering the role of relational capability among actors in the temperature-sensitive food supply chain.

Towards Circular Economy (CE) in Tanzania: How Effective is Plastic Container Waste Recycling in the Beverage Industry?

Prince Foya (PI)

Grant: USD 10,000
Duration: May 2024 – March 2025
University: University of Dar es Salaam
Country: Tanzania

This project examines the effectiveness of recycling plastic container waste generated by Tanzania's beverage industry as a pathway towards environmental sustainability and a circular economy. The research assesses the current status of recycling, explores its potential socio-economic impacts and identifies strategies to strengthen sustainable practices within the manufacturing industry. Through interviews with selected manufacturers and the use of secondary data, the study aims to generate practical recommendations, increase awareness and support wider adoption of sustainable plastic waste management practices.

Urban Mobility: A Strategic Analysis of Public Transportation Supply Services in Developing Countries – A Case Study of Djibouti and Addis Ababa City

Busha Kitessa (PI)

Grant: USD 15,000
Duration: May 2024 – March 2025
Universities: Addis Ababa University School of Commerce and Djibouti University
Countries: Ethiopia and Djibouti

This research examines urban mobility logistics and public transportation supply services in Djibouti City and Addis Ababa. It assesses the accessibility and inclusiveness of existing public transportation systems while identifying key challenges and opportunities for improvement. The project combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to analyse transportation infrastructure, traffic management and service efficiency. It also proposes optimised public transportation supply systems and policy recommendations designed to improve efficiency, responsiveness and sustainable urban mobility in rapidly urbanising developing cities.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Humanitarian Logistics in Tigray, Ethiopia

Tsegazab Kahsu (PI)

Grant: USD 8,500
Duration: October 2025 – August 2026
University: Mekelle University
Country: Ethiopia
 

Tigray, Ethiopia, has experienced significant humanitarian challenges resulting from conflict, displacement, drought and other crises. This project examines the effectiveness of humanitarian logistics in this fragile and conflict-affected context. The research seeks to identify systemic barriers affecting humanitarian logistics and develop recommendations for improving emergency response capacity. By focusing on the role of logistics in humanitarian operations, the study aims to contribute practical evidence for strengthening the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance in Tigray and similar challenging environments.

Environmental Management Practices in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Evidence from Manufacturing Firms in Tigray, Ethiopia

Tesfay Kelali (PI), Adem Mehammed (Co-researcher), Angesom Zenawi and Weldeabrha Kiros

Grant: USD 8,000
Duration: October 2025 – August 2026
University: Mekelle University
Country: Ethiopia

This research investigates the adoption of tactical-level Green Supply Chain Management practices within large manufacturing firms in Tigray, Ethiopia. It focuses on practices including green procurement, eco-design, sustainable transportation, sustainable warehousing and reverse logistics. The study examines the drivers and barriers influencing adoption, with the aim of providing a benchmark for environmental performance and identifying opportunities for resource efficiency. The findings are intended to support manufacturing firms and policymakers in developing environmentally sustainable industrial practices in a post-conflict context

Agro-Supply Chain Inefficiency in Ethiopia and the Potential of FITS (Farmer's Integrated Trading System) Platform for Market Access and Food Security

Abera Gude, Abreham Tafese, Abrham Kasahun, Yonas Tilahun and Yoseph Muluken

Grant: USD 7,500
Duration: January 2026 – June 2026
University: Bahir Dar University
Country: Ethiopia

This research investigates logistical inefficiencies affecting Ethiopia's agricultural sector, including inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, fragmented markets and limited market transparency. It evaluates the potential of the Farmers Integrated Trading System (FITS), a digital platform leveraging blockchain and artificial intelligence, to improve market access and reduce post-harvest losses. The study uses a controlled experimental approach involving smallholder farmers to assess impacts on farmers' share of prices and post-harvest losses, while also examining barriers to technology adoption.

Design and Evaluate an Integrated Urban Waste Logistics Model

Ronald Kwena and Joseph Akumuntu

Grant: USD 2,000
Duration: March 2026 – April 2029
University: University of Kigali
Country: Rwanda
 

This project develops an integrated urban waste logistics model for Rwanda, building on previous research into waste characterisation and plastic recycling. Earlier work identified substantial quantities of recoverable materials that are currently lost because of inadequate collection, sorting and logistics infrastructure. The project examines how waste logistics design can influence recycling rates, cost efficiency, emissions and system resilience. It aims to provide evidence that can support more effective urban waste management and contribute to Rwanda's ambitions for sustainable development and a circular economy.

Industry-Based Internship Support for Undergraduate Logistics and Supply Chain Management Students

Ronald Kwena

Grant: TBC
Duration: TBC
University: University of Kigali
Country: Rwanda

This project addresses financial barriers that can prevent undergraduate logistics and supply chain management students from accessing meaningful industry-based internships. The proposed programme will provide modest financial support to six students undertaking three-month internships, helping them gain practical experience in areas such as warehousing, transportation, distribution, freight forwarding and logistics operations. The initiative aims to strengthen graduate employability, deepen university–industry collaboration and ensure that financial constraints do not prevent students from gaining valuable workplace experience.