by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – HUAWEI has launched a smart warehouse solution set to revolutionise logistics operations in Africa.
Launched in Johannesburg, the newly opened 14 000-square metre facility boasts advanced technologies that boost efficiency, security and sustainable practices.
Huawei said this marked a major step forward for the warehousing industry and represents the future of the industry and showcases a commitment to innovation in Africa.
Will Meng, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei South Africa, spoke to the strategic vision for the industry, noting that the warehouse and logistics market in South Africa was valued at US$93 billion in 2024 and is poised to reach $157 billion by 2032.
“This growth signifies more than just numbers. It represents a transformation towards more agile, responsive and technologically advanced supply chains, which are essential for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace,” said Meng.
Driven by Green Power solutions, E-security systems and Modern logistics (GEM), the facility showcases the positive role that smart logistics can have in Africa.
The GEM framework is delivered through a digital warehouse management system, which makes it possible to automate 60 percent of daily processes.
Stevin John Du Plessis, Logistics Manager for Huawei South Africa’s Supply Chain Business, said the warehouse solution comprised green power solutions, e-security and modern logistics.
York Ning, Director of Enterprise Marketing at Solutions at Huawei South Africa, explored the details of the facilities’ intelligent ecosystem and how it meets industry needs in an ever-evolving sector.
“Our warehouse management system unifies all logistic operations, integrating AGVs and AGFs to provide intelligent task allocation and scheduling,” he said.
Industry partners such as Africa Global Logistics discussed why they prefer to work with Huawei.
Fergus Fitch, Chief Operating Officer at the company, said, has been a logistics partner with Huawei for 15 years.
“We have extended our partnership further with the procurement of their technology which has helped Africa Global Logistics achieve operational excellence and streamline our processes,” said Fitch.
The company employs more than 23 000 people across 50 countries and it has plans to integrate Huawei technology as it expands in Africa.
It aims to build approximately 35 000 square metres of warehousing and a five-story office building, which will be a flagship Africa Global Logistics campus on the continent.
– CAJ News