Two leaders at global logistics pioneer DP World are announced as keynote speakers for the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) African Cold Chain Conference in Johannesburg, taking place September 2-3, 2026.

DP World operates in every continent of the globe, employing more than 126,000 people from 169 nationalities, powering international trade through a range of solutions including cold chain logistics across ocean, air, road and rail. William Sears, Chief Commercial Officer Logistics for Africa at DP World; and Mohammed Mahomedy, Head of Infrastructure and Rail for Africa at DP World, will take to the conference main stage on September 3 to share their insights into DP World’s approach to integrated logistics at scale in practice.

• William Sears has over 20 years’ experience in logistics and supply chain optimisation across a range of industries and disciplines. Having joined South African logistics business Imperial in 2010, William was appointed to DP World leadership following Imperial’s acquisition by the global business in 2022.
• Mohammed Mahomedy leads DP World’s development of the company’s rail and ports integration strategy across the African continent. He is responsible for identifying strategic opportunities that support the expansion of DP World’s presence across the broader logistics value chain in line with its long-term objectives in Africa.

The GCCA African Cold Chain Conference will bring together temperature-controlled logistics businesses and partners from across the continent to examine the industry’s most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities, exploring the theme of ‘It’s Time for Dialogue: Exploring Progress, Priorities, and Partnerships’. The event includes an outstanding program of renowned speakers, panel discussions, networking receptions and a high-quality exhibition. Find out more and register at www.gcca.org/events/gcca-african-cold-chain-conference.  

GCCA Senior Vice President Global Market Engagement Adam Thocher said: “I am delighted that DP World’s William Sears and Mohammed Mahomedy will be sharing their insights and experiences on the crucial topic of integrated logistics at scaleas the keynote speakers at the 2026 GCCA African Cold Chain Conference. Temperature-controlled logistics operations are expanding throughout the continent:connecting Africa’s cold chain and investing in associated infrastructure will be fundamental to Africa’s future food resilience and global trade opportunities. The GCCA conference is creating a unique forum for cold chain operators and partners to discuss the food supply chain’s challenges and opportunities at national and global levels.”

The two DP World leaders will be joining an outstanding line-up of expert speakers at the conference, including:

• Brent Melvin (General Manager RSA Logistics Dubai) sharing experiences of the cold chain’s response to extreme disruption in the Middle East
• Dr. John Deng Diar Diing (Executive Secretary of the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority), discussing regional corridors as catalysts for intra-African trade
• Dr. Newton Matope (CEO of Cold Solutions Kenya and GCCA Africa Chairman), exploring the temperature-controlled logistics industry in the continent, and
• Sara Stickler (President & CEO, GCCA) and Adam Thocher (Senior Vice President, Global Market Engagement, GCCA) on GCCA’s priorities and action in Africa.

Find out more about the GCCA African Cold Chain Conference 2026 at www.gcca.org/events/gcca-african-cold-chain-conference/

Mohammed Mahomedy Head of Rail and Infrastructure for Africa at DP World

William Searss, Chief Commercial Officer Logistics Africa, DP World

Walk into two warehouses of a similar size and, at first glance, they may look much the same. The shelving is in place, forklifts are moving and orders are being prepared for dispatch. Spend a little more time on the floor, however, and the differences quickly become apparent. One warehouse operates with purpose, while the other is constantly working to recover from delays, misplaced stock and bottlenecks.

Efficiency isn’t simply about moving faster. It’s about creating an environment where people, processes and technology work together to keep goods moving consistently from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. As supply chains become more complex and customer expectations continue to grow, an efficient warehouse has become one of the strongest assets a business can have.

Good Warehouse Design Reduces Unnecessary Movement

Every extra step inside a warehouse takes time. When employees have to travel long distances to retrieve stock or forklifts regularly cross paths with picking teams, productivity quickly starts to suffer.

An efficient warehouse is designed to keep movement to a minimum. Receiving areas, storage locations, picking zones and dispatch bays are arranged to support the natural flow of goods through the facility. The goal isn’t to rush people from one task to the next. It’s to remove the obstacles that slow them down in the first place.

Knowing Where Stock Is Matters

Most warehouse delays don’t start when an order is placed. They begin much earlier, when inventory records don’t match what’s actually sitting on the shelves.

Having an accurate view of stock allows warehouse teams to pick orders with confidence, replenish inventory before shortages occur and avoid unnecessary delays. Barcode scanning, warehouse management systems and regular stock checks all help create a clearer picture of what’s happening inside the warehouse, making it easier to plan ahead instead of constantly reacting to problems.

Experienced Teams Keep Operations Running

Technology has changed the way warehouses operate, but it hasn’t changed the importance of the people working inside them. Experienced warehouse teams know how to manage busy periods, solve unexpected problems and keep orders moving when the day doesn’t go exactly as planned.

Clear processes, ongoing training and good communication often make a bigger difference than people realise. Even the most advanced warehouse systems rely on teams using them effectively, which is why investing in people remains just as important as investing in equipment.

Technology Supports Better Decisions

Warehouse technology has come a long way over the past decade. What was once used primarily to record stock movements is now helping businesses understand how their operations perform throughout the day.

Warehouse management systems, real-time reporting and automated data collection give managers better visibility across the facility. Instead of waiting for problems to appear, they can identify congestion, monitor inventory trends and make informed decisions that keep operations running smoothly.

A Warehouse Is Only One Part of the Journey

An efficient warehouse doesn’t just improve what happens inside its own walls. It helps trucks load on time, orders reach customers sooner and the wider supply chain run more smoothly. That’s why warehouse efficiency is about more than storage or speed. It’s about creating an operation that businesses can rely on, even when the day doesn’t go exactly to plan.

Every day, FedEx connects people, businesses and communities through its global network. While that network is best known for moving packages around the world, its impact extends beyond commerce. The same expertise that helps keep supply chains moving can also help connect communities with the resources, opportunities and support they need to thrive.

Across South Africa, community organisations are working to address local challenges and expand opportunities for young people. Their impact, however, depends not only on funding and commitment, but also on the ability to reach people consistently and effectively. From delivering essential resources to bringing together volunteers and community partners, logistics plays an important role in turning good intentions into meaningful action.

“Social impact does not happen in isolation,” says Nelson Teixeira, Managing Director of Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa at FedEx. “Whether it’s supporting youth programmes, enabling volunteers or helping organisations reach underserved communities, reliable logistics plays an important role in making that impact possible.“

Through FedEx Cares, the company’s global community engagement programme, FedEx works alongside nonprofit organisations, customers and team members to help strengthen communities, create opportunities for young people and inspire employee volunteerism. In South Africa, this commitment comes to life through initiatives that reflect the spirit of Mandela Day – bringing people together to make a meaningful difference through collective action.

One example is FedEx Play Parks, delivered in partnership with Kids Collab. The initiative expands access to safe, inclusive and structured play spaces for children in underserved communities, helping support physical development, social wellbeing and stronger social connections.

Complementing this effort, FedEx Day of Play brings together children, community organisations and FedEx volunteers through activities that encourage participation, play and connection. As part of the company’s Mandela Day activities, it reflects FedEx’s commitment to creating positive experiences that leave a lasting impact.

FedEx also supports organisations such as Sporting Chance, whose Street Soccer Programme uses sport to promote youth development, life skills and social inclusion. Together, these initiatives help create environments where young people can build confidence, develop new skills and realise their potential.

“Collaboration is essential when it comes to addressing complex social challenges,” says Teixeira. “Community organisations bring local knowledge and trusted relationships, while businesses can contribute skills, resources and operational expertise. When these strengths come together, it becomes possible to create initiatives that have a broader and more lasting impact.“

That spirit of collaboration is reflected in the commitment of FedEx team members, who volunteer their time and expertise alongside community organisations throughout the year. Their involvement demonstrates that creating meaningful impact is not only about investment, but also about showing up, contributing and supporting the communities where they live and work.

As South Africa continues to create new opportunities for young people and strengthen community wellbeing, collective action will remain essential. Through FedEx Cares, FedEx remains committed to using its people, expertise and global network to help create opportunities, strengthen communities and deliver lasting social impact.

“At its core, logistics is about connecting people with possibility,” concludes Teixeira. “When those connections help young people access new opportunities and strengthen the communities around them, we see the impact that is possible when we work together.“