Making it Happen: A Unitrans Journey

About Making it Happen: A Unitrans Journey

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.

Publisher

Unitrans

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Oct 2024

Latest episode

30 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

22 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Sept 2026

   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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tumelo-thedi-8a8099122/) (Botswana (https://www.unitransafrica.com/about-us/footprint/)), Phil Henning (https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-henning-296a401b0/) (Namibia (https://www.unitransafrica.com/about-us/footprint/)), Julius Gladson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/julius-gladson-258b09238/) (Tanzania (https://www.unitransafrica.com/about-us/footprint/)) and Sygrid Georget (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sygrid-georget-1b045b92/)(Madagascar (https://www.unitransafrica.com/about-us/footprint/)) 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 performance Why local knowledge, relationships and regional partnerships remain critical to success How operational knowledge-sharing drives productivity, skills development and continuous improvement The role of public-private partnerships in strengthening infrastructure and enabling economic growth How technology, digital connectivity, AI and innovative logistics solutions are creating new opportunities across the continent Why 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 (https://www.unitransafrica.com/podcast/), YouTube (https://youtu.be/vQGHxSJ88-4), 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

2. 

   18 Sept 2026

   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 (https://www.unitransafrica.com/industries/petroleum-chemicals-gas/), mining logistics (https://www.unitransafrica.com/solutions/mining/) and agricultural operations (https://www.unitransafrica.com/solutions/farming/#cropfarming), 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 market The impact of cross-border dependencies, corridor efficiency and regional connectivity on supply chain performance How infrastructure constraints, remoteness and local operating conditions influence logistics outcomes The challenges of technology adoption, skills development and operational capability across diverse markets Why relationships, community engagement and local knowledge remain critical success factors How 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 (https://www.unitransafrica.com/podcast/), YouTube (https://youtu.be/8jd93zGo53E), 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.

3. 

   2 Sept 2026

   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, (linkedin.com/in/edwin-hewitt-6400011b4?originalSubdomain=za)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 scale How partnerships strengthen resilience, innovation and long‑term business success The role of data, technology and operational insight in shaping better decisions How leaders navigate uncertainty while staying focused on long‑term value creation Why people, culture and safety remain fundamental to business performance How 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 (https://www.unitransafrica.com/podcast/), 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.

Contact Making it Happen: A Unitrans Journey

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.