Abstract:
Supply Chain Management (SCM), which has globally emerged as an important management function in the last two to three decades, comprises several cross-functional activities. The adoption of any management practice largely depends on the context in which it is being adopted. This depends on the rate and degree of organization growth. The fast economic development in Sub-Saharan African countries has caused a corresponding increase in the growth of organizations and management practices in Sub-Saharan African countries. This paper describes the historical perspectives related to the evolution and application of SCM practices in selected Sub-Saharan African countries like Botswana, Malawi, and Tanzania. The conceptual framework is based on a literature review focusing on experiences from these countries. The methodology applied in data collection is a questionnaire and interviews. The findings have revealed that the SCM practices in some countries are haphazardly done. The results also suggest that though SCM plays an important role in the economic and well-being of an organization. They further suggest that a very little attention and emphasis are being exercised by organizations. Moreover, decisions made are sometimes based on unrealistic facts and personal interests. Lastly, the experience provides a good lesson for lawmakers and enforcers to devise alternative means for involving SCM practices in the entire operations of the organizations. Generally, the results obtained in this study can be used as a step toward setting the tone for further research in the field of SCM in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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