Tips for Establishing a Reliable Supply Chain for a Remote Food Service Facility in Africa

Setting up a reliable supply chain for a remote food service facility in Africa involves careful planning, logistics, and considerations specific to the challenges posed by remote locations. Here's a step-by-step guide to assist in reducing the risks involved with this complex undertaking:

1) Location Research and Planning: Conduct thorough research to understand supply chain challenges for the specific remote area. For example:

a) Environment: Climate conditions (e.g., temperatures throughout the year, wet and dry seasons, arid conditions, tropical conditions, dust storms) and terrain (e.g., deserts, savannah, rain forests, mountain ranges, rivers, swamps, lakes, etc).

b) Medical considerations (your staff and dining facility patrons): Prevalent diseases such as dengue, malaria, West Nile virus, river blindness, ebola, etc.

c) Create a detailed business plan outlining your objectives, the needs of your customer, customer head counts, necessary products/services, dining facility requirements, supply chain requirements and waste management requirements.

2) Identify Reliable Suppliers: Establish partnerships with reliable suppliers, internationally, regionally and locally, who can provide quality food products and ingredients, as well as, kitchen and dining necessities, equipment and equipment maintenance. Consider suppliers who can accommodate the remote location's logistical challenges. Where possible, source locally or at least regionally, from logistics and warehousing cost perspective and a local economic support perspective (local business and jobs). You should maximize the inclusion of products that are available locally or regionally, where prices and quality permit.

3) Infrastructure and Logistics: Assess the infrastructure and logistics available getting to and around the remote area.

a) Determine transportation options, such as road, air, or maritime, to transport goods to the facility and remove waste. Do suitable roads, rail or river transport options exist? What seaport facilities are available/applicable and how do they operate? Are there air delivery options available?

b) Invest in appropriate infrastructure like cold storage facilities, refrigerated transport, or alternative energy sources (if needed), insect/pest control equipment, quality kitchen fit out and equipment, and quality dining fit out, to maintain food quality and safety. Ensure grease traps and waste storage facilities are of sufficient build quality to meet accepted international standards.

c) Understand requirements for your own staff's accommodation facilities/options. Do you need to coordinate with your customer to establish a staff camp for your own personnel? (This will take significant time and money!) Or will the client provide your staff with facilities?

4) Supply Chain Management: Implement robust supply chain management practices. This includes inventory management, forecasting, and efficient order processing. Consider using technology and software solutions for inventory tracking and management to optimize operations.

5) Customs and Regulatory Compliance: Understand and comply with local regulations, customs procedures, and import/export requirements. Ensure all necessary permits and licenses are obtained for food transportation and handling, and waste management.

6) Risk Management and Contingency Planning: Develop contingency plans for unexpected challenges such as road closures, adverse weather conditions, supply shortages, or problems with facilities and equipment. Diversify suppliers and logistics/transportation options to mitigate risks and maintain continuity in the supply chain.

7) Supply Chain Integrity: Safety and quality of food products supplied to the facility is of utmost importance in ensuring the health and well-being of patrons. Be sure to implement the following measures:

a) Maintain food safety standards throughout the supply chain ensuring the integrity of the products.

b) Assure supplier audits and assessments.

c) Implement rigorous quality control measures.

d) Utilize HACCP principles to identify and control potential hazards throughout the transport, storage, preparation and delivery processes.

e) Establish systems to trace products and maintain supply chain transparency.

8) Training and Skill Development: Provide training to staff involved in handling and managing the products at all stages of the supply chain that are under your control. This includes training on proper transportation, storage, handling, preparation and presentation of food products.

9) Partnerships and Collaboration: Collaborate with local stakeholders, community leaders, or businesses to establish strong partnerships. Local partnerships can provide valuable insights and support in navigating challenges specific to the area.

10) Continuous Improvement and Evaluation: Regularly evaluate the supply chain performance and seek areas for improvement. Adapt and refine strategies based on feedback, market changes, and evolving logistical needs.

11) Sustainability and Long-Term Strategy: Consider sustainability practices in the supply chain, such as reducing waste, environmentally friendly packaging, or supporting local producers, for long-term viability.

Launching a reliable supply chain to a remote food service facility in Africa requires meticulous planning, adaptability, and a thorough understanding of local conditions. It also requires the establishment of reliable supply options and an understanding of timelines and challenges for freight providers to deliver products to the facility. Flexibility and the ability to adjust strategies based on the unique challenges of each specific remote location will be key to success.

At Cakum Global we have a team of experienced consultants with decades of field expertise setting up and managing robust supply chains - and also staff camps - in the most challenging environments worldwide. Let us know if you need assistance in establishing or improving the efficiency of a remote site supply chain in any challenging environment globally.