Africa’s food security challenge is no longer only about increasing agricultural production, but also about improving how food is moved, stored and distributed across the continent, according to executives from Africa Global Logistics (AGL).

They made the observations at the Africa CEO Forum 2026.

Global disruptions expose supply chain vulnerabilities

Speaking during a one-on-one panel discussion themed "Logistics at the heart of Africa’s food security challenge,” Philippe Labonne, President and CEO of AGL, said geopolitical tensions and global volatility are forcing Africa to rethink its supply chains and invest in regional logistics infrastructure.

"Global tensions and disruptions in shipping routes are increasing freight costs, delivery times and uncertainty in supply chains. We have entered a period where volatility has become permanent, and Africa must adapt by building resilient supply chains that can guarantee access to food and markets,” he said.

Labonne said the continent should move away from relying on overseas storage hubs and instead build regional warehousing and logistics systems closer to African markets.

Resilient supply chains are now essential not only for food distribution but also for enabling farmers to access export markets and agricultural inputs, he observed.

AGL currently operates in 47 African countries and manages logistics infrastructure including ports, warehouses, dry depots and trucking networks.

The company operates 25 container terminals across Africa and employs around 25,000 people on the continent.

Infrastructure gap remains a major hurdle

Labonne said one of the biggest barriers remains Africa’s infrastructure deficit, noting that the World Bank estimates the continent faces an infrastructure financing gap of between $130 billion and $170 billion annually.

"We should build infrastructure, but this goes beyond the means of the private sector alone. Ports are important and often bankable, but food security also requires dry ports, storage facilities, rail systems and multimodal transport corridors that can connect farmers to markets efficiently.”

"We can build barges, railways, truck fleets and ports, but the real challenge is making the entire corridor function efficiently.

Labonne pointed out that there are still governance and mindset issues that slow regional trade because some countries fear losing business to neighbouring ports or corridors.

He added that stronger regional cooperation and investment in skills development would be essential to improving Africa’s logistics ecosystem.

"At AGL, we place people at the heart of our strategy. It is meaningless to invest in infrastructure if you do not invest properly in people. Every year, we hire and train thousands of employees because the managers and logistics experts of tomorrow must be close to African markets.”

Digitalisation and AI seen as future drivers

Stanislas de Saint-Louvent, CEO Africa Logistics & Shipping at AGL also said digitalisation and artificial intelligence are expected to play an increasing role in improving efficiency across supply chains.

He was speaking during a separate panel themed "Africa’s Intelligent Industry – Can Africa scale at speed while retaining control?”

"Customers now want us to move data as efficiently as we move their goods,” he said.

"Digitalisation will help improve visibility, coordination and efficiency across logistics systems, and that will ultimately support Africa’s food security ambitions.”