Evaluating supply chains in Africa, circularity, and empowering local economies

Kenny Kaluiji, founder of Decarbonify and Baobabpad, discusses his journey from working in the oil and gas industry to focusing on sustainability and climate change. He shares his frustration with the lack of attention to climate change in the industry and his decision to transition to Norway to study energy and environment. Kenny also talks about his master's thesis on supply chain issues and the challenges of getting data from suppliers. He highlights the impacts of climate change in Africa and the need for climate equity and investment in infrastructure. The conversation explores the topics of circularity and overconsumption, mitigating social risks in the supply chain, moving labor to low-risk countries, local refineries and resource extraction, moving manufacturing closer to resources and consumption, the challenge of trust in auditing supplier practices, the importance of culture in building trust, and broadening the focus of supply chain sustainability from just CO2 emissions to social and environmental impacts.

Takeaways

• The oil and gas industry often neglects climate change and pollution issues, leading to environmental damage.
• Climate change has significant impacts in Africa, including flooding, droughts, and lack of access to energy.
• Climate equity and investment in infrastructure are crucial for addressing climate change in Africa.
• Circularity is crucial in addressing overconsumption and reducing waste streams that end up in developing countries.
• Companies need to mitigate social risks in the supply chain and avoid exacerbating poverty issues.
• Investing in local refineries and manufacturing facilities can create jobs and reduce costs in resource-rich countries.
• Trust in supplier practices requires understanding the culture and values of the organization.

Host: Thomas Buch Andersson

Guest: Kenny Kaluiji

Producer: Cristina Souto

Music: Kiholm

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Feel free to find Thomas on LinkedIn to connect over supply chain sustainability.

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