By Clara Mlano
Exclusive Books and University of Johannesburg Press launched two groundbreaking publications, ‘Compendium of Supply Chain Management Terms’ and ‘Strategic Sourcing and Industrialisation,’ at Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg, South Africa.
The launch marked not just a literary milestone, but a Pan-African awakening rooted in indigenous knowledge, strategic partnerships, and the transformative power of written ideas to shape industrial futures.
Exclusive Books, the continent’s largest bookseller, and UJ Press, one of Africa’s top three university-affiliated publishing houses and among the most globally respected academic publishers, united to host this defining occasion. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to intellectual empowerment, capacity building, and long-term continental transformation.
The author, Prof. Douglas Boateng, said “These are not just books; they are instruments of nation building”.
“No nation can industrialise without mastering strategic sourcing and supply chain management. Africa must think, plan, and act with purpose.”
The launch in the rainbow nation underscores the country’s publishing leadership, promoting access to impactful African-authored content.
It was attended by industry experts including Ronald Malazi, Managing Director of Commerce Edge South Africa, the largest privately-owned supply chain training and education institution on the continent.
For Mr. Malazi, “The Africa we dream of will be built by those who learn together and work together”.
“We must continue sharing ideas, building capacity, and advancing for the common good.”
“At UJ Press, we publish with a purpose,” stated Wikus van Zyl, Manager of UJ Press. “As one of the top university presses on the continent, our mission is to empower minds and shape meaningful progress.”
To Shylock Matsunyane, Assistant Manager at Exclusive Books, Rosebank,
“It’s an honour to launch books that don’t just sit on shelves but help move a continent. We’re proud to be part of this legacy.”
In the long-term, Prof. Boateng, and other industrial partners, will soon embark on a Pan-African Industrialisation and Strategic Sourcing Roadshow. It is an initiative to build local capacity, inspire change, and engage the youth, women, and current and future leaders through public lectures, executive sessions, and multi-country knowledge-sharing forums.
Some guests received personally signed copies of both books, symbolising the importance of accessible, practical knowledge in shaping Africa’s future.
The event transcended a book launch, becoming a continental call to action for strategic thinking, industrial determination, and a unified drive toward Africa’s self-determined future.
