Sustainable manufacturing and supply chain management emphasize minimising environmental impact, conserving resources, and fostering social responsibility. In manufacturing, this involves energy efficiency, waste reduction, eco-design, and responsible material sourcing. On the supply chain front, businesses prioritise ethical sourcing, reduced transportation emissions, and circular models that encourage reusing, recycling, and remanufacturing. Emerging technologies such as automation, IoT, and blockchain are pivotal in enhancing efficiency and traceability within these systems.
Here are some distinguished experts shaping the landscape of sustainable manufacturing and supply chain management in Nigeria, helping businesses mitigate risks, comply with regulations, and position themselves for future growth. These distinguished experts are driving innovation and sustainability in manufacturing and supply chain management across Nigeria, ensuring long-term growth and global competitiveness.
Izin Akioya
Izin Akioya is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Supply Chain Africa. In 2020, she launched Ship Africa Global LLC to strengthen supply chain development across Africa and enhance global market access for local producers. Leveraging technology and strategic partnerships, the company bridges critical gaps in logistics, production capacity, and market entry knowledge.
A staunch advocate for mergers and acquisitions, Akioya highlights their significance in the sustainability and success of African startups. With nearly two decades of experience across FMCG, consulting, advertising, and non-profits, she has built expertise in marketing communications, business development, strategy, and advocacy.
She also leads Identiti LLC, a full-service marketing firm specializing in product ideation, brand design, e-commerce, content marketing, and corporate event management.
As an author, Akioya explores themes of identity and self-improvement. Her works, including Mum, Find Love Again: Shame, Self-Love, Identity and Lili, address societal biases and celebrate personal transformation.
Dr. Ola Brown
Dr. Ola Brown actively fosters international trade relations between Nigeria, the U.S., and the U.K., serving on the British Business Group (Lagos) committee and leading the Healthcare Business Forum of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Brown earned her medical degree from Hull York Medical School and holds a master’s in finance and economic policy from the University of London. She has further certifications from IE Business School in Spain and the University of Michigan. Recognized for her impact, she was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and featured in Forbes’ 20 Young Power Women in Africa.
She is driven by a mission to improve medical care in Nigeria, she established the region’s first indigenous air ambulance service. Flying Doctors has since grown into a tech-driven global marketplace for urgent and emergency medical services, primarily catering to the oil & gas, mining, and international insurance sectors.
Beyond Flying Doctors, Dr. Brown established Health Capital Africa, a pan-African investment firm backing nearly 30 fintech and health tech startups. The company also oversees a pipeline of $800 million in healthcare, clean energy, and clean water projects across Africa.
Olori Boye-Ajayi
Olori Boye-Ajayi is a trailblazer in international trade and women’s empowerment. As CEO of Borderless Trade & Investments, she has led initiatives benefiting 80,000 African entrepreneurs, helping them seamlessly integrate into global markets.
Her journey in export trade began in 2017 within the textile and apparel industry, where she established a sourcing and manufacturing hub facilitating exports to Australia, the U.S., and the U.K. Through her company, The Katie Wang Company, she connects African fashion suppliers and manufacturers with international buyers.
Boye-Ajayi’s accolades include the International Woman of the Year award at Women4Africa UK. She has also pioneered the Borderless Trade Network, an ecosystem supporting 800 female entrepreneurs across Africa.
Her influence extends to policy as she leads WINHer, a gender-inclusive investment program under the Commissioner for Trade and Investment of Vanuatu. Additionally, she serves as the MANSA Ambassador for AfreximBank, championing the inclusion of African SMEs in global trade.
Olajumoke Agbelusi
Olajumoke Agbelusi is an operations expert with over 15 years of experience in multinational FMCGs, including Unilever Nigeria, and Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company. Her expertise spans manufacturing, quality management, supply chain optimisation, and process improvement.
She has successfully led organisational transformations, enhancing manufacturing efficiency, cost reduction, sustainability, and operational excellence. A strategic thinker, she excels in problem analysis, execution of strategic initiatives, and change management.
Agbelusi is passionate about global supply chain leadership and thrives in environments that value innovation, professional growth, and societal impact. Beyond her career, she is an avid reader and traveller who enjoys exploring new cultures and expanding her professional network.
Adefunke Adeyemi
Adefunke Adeyemi is a recognised leader in the aviation industry. She has served as Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC/CAFAC), a specialized agency of the African Union dedicated to aviation matters.
Passionate about Africa’s socio-economic transformation, Adeyemi advocates for enhanced air connectivity across the continent as a driver of growth. Her contributions have earned her global recognition, including being named one of the 200 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) in affiliation with the United Nations.
She holds a law degree from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Cambridge, UK, and an MBA from Nanyang Business School in Singapore, in collaboration with Wharton Business School and Berkeley Haas Business School.