The findings suggest companies are adapting to a prolonged period of global instability rather than expecting supply chains to return to pre-pandemic norms.
Businesses across Southern Africa should not become complacent despite a slight easing in global supply chain concerns, as geopolitical conflicts, cyber threats and trade uncertainty continue to pose significant risks to procurement and business operations, according to the latest Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Pulse Survey.
The second-quarter 2026 survey found that while short-term concerns over supply chain disruption have eased from the record highs recorded earlier this year, both short- and long-term anxiety remain among the highest levels ever measured by CIPS.
The findings suggest companies are adapting to a prolonged period of global instability rather than expecting supply chains to return to pre-pandemic norms.
For Southern Africa, the report highlights particular vulnerabilities given the region's reliance on imported fuel, industrial equipment, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing inputs, while key industries such as mining, agriculture, automotive manufacturing and retail depend heavily on efficient global logistics networks.
