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Beyond Lean: New Frontiers of Operational Excellence in African and Western Contexts

 

While Lean and Six Sigma have revolutionized Western and some African industries, the global landscape is evolving. Operational excellence must now integrate digital technology, agility, and sustainability. Here's how these challenges manifest themselves differently—and converge—between Europe and Africa.

 

 

Cognitive Excellence: AI for Efficiency

 

In the West, Siemens is using AI to optimize predictive maintenance, reducing downtime by 20% and costs by 15% (Source: Siemens AG, 2023).

In Africa, the Kenyan company Twiga Foods is using AI to optimize its fresh produce distribution logistics, reducing waste by 30% and improving the profitability of small businesses (Source: Africa Report, 2023).

Why it's essential: AI is no longer a luxury reserved for Western giants. It is becoming a lever for inclusion and sustainable growth in Africa.

 

Operational Resilience: Adapting to Shocks

 

The energy crisis in Europe has pushed groups like Vogel (construction, Germany) to review their processes to reduce their dependence on gas, saving 18% on their energy costs (Source: Handelsblatt, 2024).

In Senegal, Manobi has developed an agro-digital platform allowing farmers to adapt to climate hazards using real-time weather data, increasing their yields by 25% (Source: World Bank, 2022).

Lesson: Resilience is as much technological as human. It relies on local adaptation and frugal innovation.

 

Human & Environmental Impact

 

In France, Danone has integrated CSR into its supply chain, reducing its carbon footprint by 30% while improving employee engagement (Source: Danone Impact Report, 2023).

In Rwanda, EarthEnable produces eco-friendly clay-based building materials, creating 5,000 local jobs while reducing the use of highly polluting cement (Source: UNDP, 2023).

 

Conclusion: Tomorrow's operational excellence will be inclusive, green, and technological. Whether you are in Dakar, Paris, or Nairobi, the challenge is the same: optimize without excluding, and grow without destroying.