Introduction

Southern African Executives, transporting goods in Southern Africa, operate with the challenge that their success does not lie entirely in their hands, because they use an extremely vulnerable logistics network that is shared by many other companies who can disrupt it. Their success is also at the mercy of the perception international buyers have of our country and logistics network. The externalities caused by the movement of goods cannot be allowed to deteriorate any further, as our supply chains, infrastructure, environment and relations with communities are in a fragile state. 

These problems can only be solved by bold leadership. 

Improving compliance and efficiency in trade & transport 

Launching in May 2025, the Logistics Accountability Score is a compliance evaluation and performance assessment tool designed to improve the efficiency of the overall system and therefore sustainability of individual companies by holding all players accountable for their performance, with emphasis on the cargo owner. 

The score will also help create a positive, forward-thinking narrative around South African Industry, which, in Adrian Gore's words, is “fundamental to creating investment and growth.” 

Sustainability Through Accountability

Why It Matters

Trade corridors globally face critical challenges, as highlighted in international academic literature. These include infrastructure damage (Arvis et al., 2011), persistent border delays due to regulatory inefficiencies (World Bank, 2021), environmental and community disruptions (Afreximbank, 2024), as well as reputational risks linked to security concerns and governance issues (World Bank, 2014). These externalities are borne by communities and the environment and hinder economic growth. The Accountability Score provides a solution to: 

• Reduce the impact of externalities: Establishing a framework for stakeholders to measure and improve their performance and encourage others to do the same. 

• Enhance transparency & compliance: Strengthen regulatory compliance and help raise industry standards by developing clear benchmarks aligned with ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles. This helps raise the standard across supply chains. 

• Improve corridor performance: Gain insights into individual company operational performance and efficiency, thus reducing inefficiencies, lowering costs, and improving safety and environmental sustainability. 

• Boost economic growth: Supporting smoother trade and transport flows to strengthen national and regional economies. 

• Empower data-driven decisions: Because the Score is updated monthly, the ability to make decisions is accelerated. 

• Enhance brand reputation and competitive edge: Supports corporate brands with ESG commitments by providing data on environmental impact. Promotes market differentiation through insights that could stimulate innovation, support sustainability, and work towards operational excellence. 

• Mitigate risks and ensure compliance: Monitors safety practices, community health concerns, and reputational risks to mitigate potential liabilities. Provides a view on compliance with industry standards, ensuring adherence to best practices. 

• Assess sustainability and compliance: Reports compliances towards carbon emissions and with regulatory standards. Provides insights to support the adoption of sustainable practices, aligning with global environmental goals. 

How It Works

The Accountability Score operates through a subscription-based model offering: 

• Baseline assessment: A comprehensive initial analysis of corridor compliance, identifying key areas for improvement. 

• Continuous monitoring: Ongoing evaluations to track and improve performance through periodic score updates. 

• Benchmarking and insights: Data-driven recommendations to support strategic decisions, helping businesses align with regulatory and market expectations. 

• Customised reporting: Tailored insights based on business needs, offering stakeholders a clear roadmap for improvement. 

Join the Movement for a Sustainable Future

Bold action is required by CEOs of cargo owners, transport companies, regulators, funders and industry stakeholders, to stem the tide of deteriorating logistics networks. 

Raise your hand and be part of the solution for a more sustainable future by: 

1. Signing the Industry Charter 

2. Signing an NDA with Implementing Agent (Crickmay & Associates) 

3. Follow the implementation plan 

Industry Adoption and Future Outlook

With global supply chains increasingly scrutinised for efficiency, safety and sustainability, the Accountability Score presents a timely and scalable solution. The Score addresses critical challenges in the current trade, transport, and logistics environment - including governance crises, inefficiencies in the logistics sector and the impacts of crime and corruption - and provides a structured framework for accountability. As more stakeholders adopt this framework, it can become a regional standard, facilitating smoother trade flows, reducing bottlenecks, and reinforcing South Africa’s position as a responsible trade and promoting South Africa’s position as a leader in responsible trade and transport governance. 

The alternative is to continue as we are, with a slow deterioration of performance and a march towards unsustainability.