In a moment of continental significance, two groundbreaking publications, ‘Compendium of Supply Chain Management Terms’ and ‘Strategic Sourcing and Industrialisation’, were officially launched at Exclusive Books, Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg Press (UJ Press).
The event signalled more than a literary milestone; it marked the beginning of a Pan-African awakening, built on home-grown knowledge, strategic collaboration, and the power of written thought to shape industrial futures.
Exclusive Books, the continent’s largest bookseller, and UJ Press, one of Africa’s top three university-affiliated publishing houses and among the most globally respected academic publishers, united to host this defining occasion. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to intellectual empowerment, capacity building, and long-term continental transformation.
“These are not just books; they are instruments of nation building,” said Professor Douglas Boateng, internationally respected author and Africa’s pioneering supply chain governance advocate. “No nation can industrialise without mastering strategic sourcing and supply chain management. Africa must think, plan, and act with purpose.”
The launch was filmed and recorded for broadcast across West Africa, Ghana, and other parts of the continent as part of a broader initiative to showcase South African publishing leadership and expand access to transformative African-authored content.
Also in attendance was Ronald Malazi, Managing Director of Commerce Edge South Africa, the largest privately-owned supply chain training and education institution on the continent. “The Africa we dream of will be built by those who learn together and work together,” Malazi stated. “We must continue sharing ideas, building capacity, and advancing for the common good.”
“At UJ Press, we publish with a purpose,” said Wikus van Zyl, Manager of UJ Press. “As one of the top university presses on the continent, our mission is to empower minds and shape meaningful progress.”
Shylock Matsunyane, Assistant Manager at Exclusive Books Rosebank, added: “It’s an honour to launch books that don’t just sit on shelves but help move a continent. We’re proud to be part of this legacy.”
As part of a long-term strategy, Professor Boateng, together with industrial partners, will soon embark on a Pan-African Industrialisation and Strategic Sourcing Roadshow. The initiative aims to build local capacity, inspire change, and engage the youth, women, and current and future leaders through public lectures, executive sessions, and multi-country knowledge-sharing forums.
The event ended with some attendees receiving personally signed copies of both books, symbolising the importance of accessible, practical knowledge in shaping Africa’s future. This was not just a book launch. It was a continental call to action for strategic thought, industrial resolve, and a united push toward Africa’s self-determined destiny.
