Supply chains are recalibrating, and the Middle East and Africa are investing aggressively to meet the moment.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott W. Luton and special guest co-host Yaseen Ahmid welcome Toby Maier, CEO for Middle East and Africa at DHL Global Forwarding, for a wide-ranging conversation on what is changing trade and logistics across the region. Toby breaks down how recent tariffs are redirecting export flows into the Middle East and Africa, why GCC countries are racing to build world-class logistics hubs, and how production is shifting from Turkey toward markets like Egypt and Morocco.

They also explore what it will take to build stronger, more reliable supply chains across Africa, from investment in life sciences and healthcare infrastructure to modernized regulation that reduces delays at customs. Toby shares how DHL’s publicly announced $300 million investment through 2030 prioritizes end-to-end capability that helps medicines, vaccines, and other critical products reach communities across a fast-growing population. The conversation also tackles the practical realities of energy access, data centers, and the cost to deliver goods, plus how sustainability efforts like electrified fleets and sustainable aviation fuel can support performance and emissions goals at the same time.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(03:13) Getting to know guest Toby Maier and co-host Yaseen Ahmid

(06:05) Toby’s journey in global logistics leadership

(11:17) Trade shifts and what they mean for Africa

(15:24) DHL’s investment focus across Africa

(18:18) Infrastructure and power realities on the ground

(22:50) Building efficiency and sustainability into the network

(24:22) Renewable energy progress and practical pathways

(26:37) What commitment to sustainability looks like at DHL

(30:26) Developing talent and leadership across the continent

(40:09) Why emerging markets belong on your career map

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Toby Maier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-maier/
2. Connect with Yaseen Ahmid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaseen-ahmid/
3. Learn more about DHL Global Forwarding: https://www.dhl.com/
4. Learn more about Luna: https://luna-resume.com/
5. Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about
6. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
7. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
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11. WEBINAR- ChatGPT Is Just the Beginning for Shipping: https://bit.ly/3YLFGq7

This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Yaseen Ahmid, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/building-resilient-innovative-supply-chains-across-africa-1547