Make Growth Happen: A Unitrans Journey

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What does real growth look like in Africa — and what does it take to make it happen? Make Growth Happen is Unitrans’ podcast series exploring the ideas, people, partnerships and innovations shaping Africa’s logistics, transport and supply chain future. Season 1 celebrated Transport Month 2024 . We embarked on a journey through the heart of Unitrans, exploring the company's pursuit of excellence, innovation and people-centred values. In Season 2, we move beyond showcasing projects to tackling the real problems that matter-from road safety & smart logistics to sustainability & inclusive growth.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 14 (Part 2): Collaboration and the Road Ahead for Africa

    Why Africa’s Logistics Future Will Be Built Through Partnership No organisation, industry or country can solve Africa’s logistics challenges alone. In Part 2 of this special Make Growth Happen roundtable, Patrick Thedi (Botswana), Phil Henning (Namibia), Julius Gladson (Tanzania) and Sygrid Georget (Madagascar) shift the conversation from challenges to solutions, exploring how collaboration is helping to unlock progress across Africa’s logistics landscape. Drawing on experiences from across Southern and East Africa, the panel shares practical examples of how partnerships between businesses, governments, communities and industry stakeholders are improving reliability, strengthening resilience and creating new opportunities for growth. From regional support networks and knowledge-sharing between operations to infrastructure partnerships and technology-driven innovation, the discussion highlights the power of working together to solve shared challenges. The conversation also explores some of the most encouraging developments shaping the future of African logistics, including increased investment in mining and agriculture, improved skills development, greater technology adoption and the emergence of innovative delivery models in remote areas. While significant challenges remain, the panel reflects a shared optimism about the opportunities ahead. In this episode, we explore: How collaboration across borders and industries helps reduce disruption and improve operational performanceWhy local knowledge, relationships and regional partnerships remain critical to successHow operational knowledge-sharing drives productivity, skills development and continuous improvementThe role of public-private partnerships in strengthening infrastructure and enabling economic growthHow technology, digital connectivity, AI and innovative logistics solutions are creating new opportunities across the continentWhy predictability, transparency and stronger regional integration will be essential to future supply chain resilience This is a hopeful, practical and distinctly African conversation about what lies ahead for the continent's logistics sector, and why the future belongs to organisations that embrace partnership, adaptability and shared progress. Available on Unitrans Website, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts Subscribe for more conversations shaping Africa’s growth story Because Africa’s logistics future will not be built in isolation. It will be built through collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to moving the continent forward. #Africanlogistics, #supplychaincollaboration, #regionaltradeAfrica, #logisticsinnovation, #crossborderlogistics, #infrastructuredevelopment, #digitaltransformationAfrica, #logisticsleadership, #Unitrans, #MakeGrowthHappen

    Episode 14 (Part 2): Collaboration and the Road Ahead for Africa

  2. Sep 18

    Episode 14 (Part 1): The Future of African Logistics

    Regional Realities, Local Challenges and the Power of AdaptationAfrica's logistics landscape is anything but uniform.From landlocked economies and cross-border trade corridors to remote mining operations, agricultural supply chains and coastal logistics hubs, every region faces its own unique set of opportunities and challenges.In this special roundtable episode of Make Growth Happen, host Francisco Nwamba is joined by Patrick Thedi (Botswana), Phil Henning (Namibia), Julius Gladson (Tanzania) and Sygrid Georget (Madagascar) to explore the realities shaping logistics across different African markets.Drawing on their experiences in fuel transportation, mining logistics and agricultural operations, the panel discusses the practical constraints that influence day-to-day execution, from infrastructure and skills shortages to technology adoption, supplier limitations and the realities of operating in remote environments.A clear theme emerges throughout the conversation: successful logistics in Africa requires more than applying global best practice. It demands a deep understanding of local conditions, strong relationships, operational flexibility and the ability to adapt solutions to regional realities.In this episode, we explore: Why Africa should not be viewed as a single, uniform logistics marketThe impact of cross-border dependencies, corridor efficiency and regional connectivity on supply chain performanceHow infrastructure constraints, remoteness and local operating conditions influence logistics outcomesThe challenges of technology adoption, skills development and operational capability across diverse marketsWhy relationships, community engagement and local knowledge remain critical success factorsHow operational realities often differ from strategic plans, requiring flexibility, adaptability and rapid execution This is a practical, candid and uniquely African conversation about what it really takes to build resilient logistics operations across a continent defined by diversity, complexity and opportunity. 🎧 Available on our website, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts🔔 Subscribe for more conversations shaping Africa’s growth storyBecause the future of African logistics won't be built through one-size-fits-all solutions, but through local insight, collaboration and the ability to adapt to the realities on the ground.

    Episode 14 (Part 1): The Future of African Logistics

  3. Sep 2

    Episode 13: CEO Conversation

    Growth Measured in Progress, Partnerships and Purpose What does growth really mean in today's business environment? For many organisations, growth is measured in revenue, scale or market share. But lasting success requires a broader perspective, one that balances performance with purpose, resilience and long‑term value creation. In this episode of Make Growth Happen, host Francisco Nwamba sits down with Edwin Hewitt, CEO of Unitrans, for a strategic conversation on leadership, growth and the future of logistics across Africa. Drawing on his experience leading the transformation of Unitrans, Edwin shares his perspective on what meaningful progress looks like in complex operating environments and why sustainable growth is built through deliberate choices rather than short‑term gains. The discussion explores how organisations can strengthen resilience through partnerships, leverage technology and data to make better decisions, and create enduring value for customers, employees, shareholders and communities alike. Throughout the conversation, a recurring theme emerges: growth is most impactful when it is guided by purpose, enabled by people and sustained through disciplined execution. In this episode, we explore: Why sustainable growth extends beyond financial performance and scaleHow partnerships strengthen resilience, innovation and long‑term business successThe role of data, technology and operational insight in shaping better decisionsHow leaders navigate uncertainty while staying focused on long‑term value creationWhy people, culture and safety remain fundamental to business performanceHow Africa's evolving trade corridors, urbanisation and changing supply chains are influencing the future of logistics This is a thoughtful and forward‑looking conversation for leaders, decision‑makers and anyone interested in how organisations create sustainable impact in an increasingly dynamic world. Available on our website, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts Subscribe for more conversations shaping Africa’s growth story Because true growth isn't measured only in numbers. It's measured in the progress we create, the partnerships we build and the purpose that drives us forward.

    Episode 13: CEO Conversation

  4. Aug 21

    Episode 12: Redefining Sustainable Growth in Africa

    Building Resilience, Partnerships and Progress That Lasts What does sustainable growth really look like in Africa? In a world shaped by economic uncertainty, changing customer expectations and increasing operational complexity, sustainable growth is about far more than financial performance. It requires resilient supply chains, long‑term thinking, responsible leadership and the ability to adapt in rapidly changing environments. In this episode of Make Growth Happen, Edwin Hewitt, CEO of Unitrans, and Sean Jackson, Unitrans Executive: Freight, explore what sustainable progress looks like in practice and how organisations can create lasting value across Africa. Drawing on their experience leading large, complex logistics operations, they discuss why resilience is built through deliberate choices, strong partnerships and a commitment to continuous improvement. The conversation examines the role of scale, technology, data and operational discipline in helping organisations anticipate change, respond to disruption and remain competitive over the long term. In this episode, we explore: What sustainable growth means in the context of African economies and industriesHow resilient supply chains help organisations adapt to uncertainty and disruptionWhy data, technology and operational visibility drive better decision‑makingThe advantages of scale, agility and continuous improvement in complex marketsHow partnerships across customers, suppliers, governments and industry strengthen long‑term outcomesWhy leadership, culture and disciplined investment remain essential to sustainable success This is a thoughtful and practical conversation about moving beyond short‑term gains to build stronger systems, stronger partnerships and stronger organisations that can thrive through change. Available on our website, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts Subscribe for more conversations shaping Africa’s growth story Because sustainable growth isn't built on quick wins. It's built on resilience, partnership and the courage to think long term.

    Episode 12: Redefining Sustainable Growth in Africa

  5. Aug 5

    Episode 11: Crossing Lines - The Real Work of Seamless Trade in Africa

    Cross-border trade is often discussed in terms of opportunity and growth. But behind every successful shipment lies a complex network of systems, processes and partnerships working together to keep goods moving. In this episode of Make Growth Happen, we sit down with Juanita Maree, CEO of SAAFF, and Hugo Nieuwenhuizen, Customs Manager at Unitrans, to explore the realities of cross-border logistics and the critical role it plays in connecting economies across Africa. From customs compliance and documentation requirements to border post operations and risk management, this conversation unpacks the often unseen work required to move goods reliably through increasingly complex trade corridors. As regional trade continues to grow, the challenge is not just moving cargo faster, but moving it more predictably, transparently and efficiently.In this episode, we explore: Why cross-border logistics involves far more than transportation aloneHow documentation accuracy and compliance directly impact border efficiencyThe practical challenges created by differing regulations, systems and processes across countriesHow digitalisation, pre-clearance processes and data sharing are helping reduce delaysThe growing role of AI, automation and real-time visibility in future trade corridorsWhy collaboration between customs authorities, logistics providers, governments and industry stakeholders remains the key to unlocking seamless trade across AfricaGrounded in decades of industry experience, this episode highlights how stronger partnerships, smarter systems and better coordination can reduce friction, improve resilience and unlock new opportunities for regional trade. Available on our website, YouTube, Spotify and Apple PodcastsSubscribe for more conversations shaping Africa’s growth story Because seamless trade doesn't happen at the border. It happens through collaboration, trust and execution long before a truck reaches the crossing.

    Episode 11: Crossing Lines - The Real Work of Seamless Trade in Africa

  6. Jul 14

    Episode 10: The Everyday Hero

    How Everyday Decisions Shape Safer, Stronger Logistics Operations What separates good operations from great ones? It’s not always cutting‑edge technology, complex systems or major strategic decisions. More often, it’s the small choices people make every day, especially when nobody is watching. In this episode of Make Growth Happen, we sit down with Abdullah Moerat, People Development Manager at Unitrans, and Hubert Jacobs, Driver Trainer at Unitrans, to explore the role of leadership, mindset and personal responsibility in creating safer, more reliable operations. Drawing on decades of experience in driver development, coaching and people leadership, they share why resilience is built through consistent daily actions rather than isolated moments of excellence, and why the most important safety decisions are often the ones that go unseen. In this episode, we explore: Why people make the biggest difference when conditions are uncertain or challengingHow consistency, reliability and clear communication build trust across teams Why operational excellence is the result of thousands of small decisions made every day The power of mentorship, coaching and continuous learning in developing confident professionalsThe habits that distinguish high‑performing frontline teams — from preparation and punctuality to proactive communication and sound judgement How a people‑first culture strengthens safety by helping individuals choose to do the right thing because they believe in it, not simply because they are told toThis is an authentic and inspiring conversation about the people who keep logistics moving every day - the mentors, trainers, leaders and frontline teams whose actions create safer journeys, stronger teams and better outcomes. Available on Unitrans' website, YouTube, Spotify and Apple PodcastsFollow or Subscribe for more conversations shaping Africa’s growth story Because behind every successful operation is an everyday hero who chooses to do the right thing, every single day.

    Episode 10: The Everyday Hero

  7. Jun 30

    Episode 9: Purpose-Built Logistics for Africa's Feed Industry

    Protecting the Supply Chain Behind Food ProductionWhat keeps Africa’s food systems running long before products reach shelves? In this episode of Make Growth Happen, we explore one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, parts of the agricultural value chain: feed logistics.Featuring Ryno van den Berg (Unitrans GM Consumer), and Anina Hunter (Chairman of AFMA), this conversation unpacks why a one‑size‑fits‑all approach simply doesn’t work in the feed industry - where precision, biosecurity and consistency are essential to protecting animal health and ensuring continuous food production.From the design of purpose‑built equipment to the discipline of trained operators, the episode reveals how specialised logistics systems are built to minimise risk, maintain quality and support producers across complex, time‑critical environments.Grounded in real operational insight, this episode shows how purpose‑built logistics protects far more than product — it protects animal welfare, producer performance and the reliability of Africa’s food systems.🎧 Available on our website, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts🔔 Subscribe for more conversations shaping Africa’s growth storyBecause behind every successful food system is a logistics system built with purpose.

    Episode 9: Purpose-Built Logistics for Africa's Feed Industry

  8. Jun 17

    Episode 8: Green Solutions that Spark Growth

    What Sustainability Really Looks Like in African Logistics? What does sustainability actually look like in practice and not only in theory? In this episode of Make Growth Happen, we unpack how sustainability in African logistics is being shaped by real operational decisions, not just long‑term ambition. Featuring Liesl De Wet (Unitrans' Head of Sustainability), this conversation explores how the industry is navigating the balance between efficiency, reliability and decarbonisation in environments where infrastructure, cost pressures and operational realities demand practical solutions. Rather than chasing idealistic targets, the discussion focuses on what’s working now: how innovation, electrification readiness and smarter fleet performance are being applied in ways that make both environmental and business sense. In this episode, we discuss: * Why sustainability in Africa is about progress, not perfection * The realities of electrification and green transport adoption * How efficiency improvements already reduce emissions and cost * What it takes to scale sustainable solutions in complex environments This is a grounded, forward‑looking conversation that moves beyond buzzwords, offering a clear view of how sustainability is being implemented in the real world. Available on our website, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe for more conversations shaping Africa’s growth story. Because sustainable growth isn’t theoretical - it’s built through practical action.

    Episode 8: Green Solutions that Spark Growth
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About

What does real growth look like in Africa — and what does it take to make it happen? Make Growth Happen is Unitrans’ podcast series exploring the ideas, people, partnerships and innovations shaping Africa’s logistics, transport and supply chain future. Season 1 celebrated Transport Month 2024 . We embarked on a journey through the heart of Unitrans, exploring the company's pursuit of excellence, innovation and people-centred values. In Season 2, we move beyond showcasing projects to tackling the real problems that matter-from road safety & smart logistics to sustainability & inclusive growth.

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