As Kigali became the epicenter of digital innovation during the Global AI Summit, the University of Kigali’s Centre for Applied Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) simultaneously held a dynamic two-day workshop on Emerging Technologies in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, from April 3–4, 2025, at The Manor Hotel, Kigali. The workshop was hosted by the Centre for Applied Logistics and Supply Chain Management as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between University of Kigali and Learn Logistics by Kuhne Foundation
While global thought leaders gathered to discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence across sectors, this workshop provided a focused platform for logistics and supply chain professionals to explore how emerging technologies are revolutionizing procurement, warehousing, transportation, and data analytics in supply chain operations across Africa.
Day 1 Highlights: Digital Shifts and Smart Logistics
The workshop was officially opened by Dr. Kwena Ronald, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation & Enterprise, who emphasized the University’s commitment to equipping professionals with future-ready skills aligned with Rwanda’s digital transformation agenda.
Charles Harerimana of World Vision kicked off technical discussions with a session on Automation in Procurement and Warehousing, presenting impactful case studies of digitized humanitarian logistics operations.
Dr. Wilson Musoni, University of Kigali, took center stage with his session on AI Applications in Logistics and Transportation, linking local innovations to global trends being discussed at the AI Summit across town. His presentation underscored the growing synergy between AI and logistics optimization in developing countries.
Post-lunch, Pascal Kagarama of Gorilla Logistics delivered an engaging double session on Transport Management and Port Operations Software, showcasing cutting-edge tools reshaping cargo flow and port efficiency in East Africa.
Day 2 Highlights: Analytics and Intelligent Decision-Making
Dr Songa Jean Bosco of Songa Logistics took the stage with a deep dive into Warehouse and Customs Management Software. His practical insights were well received, especially as he shared live system demonstrations reflecting real-world challenges and solutions.
Dr. Martin Gachukia, University of Kigali, then led an insightful session on Procurement Analytics, connecting the dots between big data, procurement efficiency, and performance metrics that supply chain leaders can no longer afford to ignore.
The afternoon featured Dr. Akumuntu Joseph, also from the University of Kigali, presenting on Data-Driven Decision-Making in Logistics. His session linked decision science with digital dashboards, AI-driven forecasting, and logistics KPIs, echoing key themes from the broader discussions at the AI Summit.
In an interactive wrap-up session, Umar Luzinda and Olivier Akili facilitated a participatory dialogue where attendees reflected on the sessions, shared innovations, and forged future collaborations. The workshop concluded with a vibrant networking session that emphasized cross-sectoral and pan-African cooperation.
