Supply Chain Resilience Strategies Adopted in a Developing Country Following Recent Global Disruptions: An Ethiopian Case

Abstract

The global supply chain is experiencing numerous disruptions due to natural and man-made causes. The paper aims to explore the supply chain resilience strategies adopted or to be adopted by importers and exporters in Ethiopia following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia war, the regional crisis in the Middle East and attacks on vessels around the Red Sea area. The research employed a qualitative approach to deeply understand the subject matter. The study population comprised significant importers and exporters of products such as wheat, edible oil, iron and coffee. Data was collected from 13 importers and 12 importers and exporters using structured and semi-structured interviews. The collected data were analysed thematically and presented using percentages and graphs. The study identified the proactive (knowing the current state of the firm’s supply chain, communicating with members of the supply chain, maintaining safety stocks and recognising the importance of risk assessment) and reactive (relying on insurance to secure supply chains and turning towards more robust suppliers) strategies adopted or to be adopted by both exporters and importers. The study recommends the need for competent supply chain managers, questioning the usual practices used in the past, paying due attention to communicating with actors in the chain and fostering flexibility.

Keywords: Disruptions, Resilience, Strategies, COVID-19 Pandemic, Ethiopia

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