Rüsch brought a grounded perspective on trade disruption, regulatory shifts and the potential of artificial intelligence( AI) in shaping next-generation logistics. Here’ s a look at his insights.

GLOBAL LOGISTICS: A SYSTEM UNDER STRAIN

“ The logistics chains are getting longer, more complex and increasingly vulnerable to disruption,” Rüsch began, citing highimpact global events such as the Suez Canal blockage and geopolitical instability in the Middle East.“ A small skirmish, and all of a sudden, entire regions avoid key transit routes. We saw it during COVID – it only takes one missing link, and the whole system collapses.”

Beyond physical disruptions, regulatory environments are becoming more stringent.

Sanitary and phytosanitary( SPS) measures, once a minor detail in trade agreements, have evolved into significant trade barriers. He cautioned:“ it ' s not just tariffs anymore, it’ s aflatoxins in peanuts, salmonella thresholds in nuts, moths in citrus. You could have full certification from the Perishable Products Export Control Board( PPECB) and still get turned around at the port.”

These complexities put immense pressure on agricultural exporters, who often lack the financial flexibility to weather delays. For example, Rüsch highlighted that for a citrus or apple farmer, logistics accounts for up to 30 % of total production costs – matching or exceeding the costs of cultivation and harvesting. Worse yet, with delayed supermarket payments and limited access to trade finance, many exporters struggle with liquidity.“ And if they can’ t move the goods, you have no cold storage demand, no transport need – the entire supply chain grinds to a halt,” Rüsch emphasised.

Against this backdrop, Rüsch turned to artificial intelligence( AI) as a possible solution. But he was quick to ground expectations.“ First, we need to understand

what intelligence really is: the ability to acquire, apply and adapt knowledge. AI mimics some of these capabilities – learning from data, identifying patterns – but it lacks empathy, ethics and human judgment. AI is not a silver bullet,” he explained.

Still, the potential applications are undeniable. AI can generate standard operating procedures( SOPs), analyse complex routing options, automate permit validation and optimise warehouse operations. In one real-world simulation, Rüsch tasked ChatGPT with developing a logistics strategy for the highly sensitive Foot-and-Mouth Disease( FMD) vaccine, which requires strict temperature controls( 2 – 8 ° C), hazardous packaging management( dry ice, liquid nitrogen), and rapid air freight handling. The AI-generated SOP included:

• Pre-shipment cold chain checks

• Real-time fallback arrangements

• Permit validation and compliance protocols

• Carrier capability analysis, for example hazmat( hazardous materials) certifications

Andreas Rüsch, managing consultant at Bongani Consulting.“ The flowchart it produced was solid. But it still needed a human to interrogate, amend and finalise the document. AI is a tool, not a replacement,” said Rüsch.

INFRASTRUCTURE – THE HIDDEN BOTTLENECK

While AI can offer speed and consistency, its effectiveness hinges on digital infrastructure, something that remains a challenge in many

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