International Peer-Reviewed Journal•Open Access•ISSN 2456-8880
irejournals@gmail.com•+91-7433024337

Home / Current Issue / Paper 1708521

1708521 Vol 5 · Issue 6 Download Paper

Systematic Review of Last-Mile Delivery Optimization and Procurement Efficiency in African Logistics Ecosystems

Oyinomomo-emi Emmanuel Akpe Jeffrey Chidera Ogeawuchi Abraham Ayodeji Abayomi Oluwademilade Aderemi Agboola Ejielo Ogbuefi

Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology  ·  Area of research: Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review explores the evolving landscape of last-mile delivery optimization and procurement efficiency within African logistics ecosystems. As the final and often most complex leg of the supply chain, last-mile delivery poses unique challenges in Africa due to infrastructural limitations, urban congestion, low addressability, and the prevalence of informal markets. Similarly, procurement inefficiencies driven by fragmented regulatory frameworks, limited digital adoption, and inconsistent supplier performance hamper supply chain effectiveness across the continent. This systematically analyzes peer-reviewed literature, case studies, and industry reports published over the past fifteen years to identify prevailing trends, technological innovations, and policy interventions aimed at enhancing logistical performance. The review categorizes strategies for optimizing last-mile delivery into technological advancements (e.g., mobile platforms, GPS tracking, drones), alternative delivery models (e.g., gig economy, public-private partnerships), and urban-rural adaptations. Procurement efficiency is examined through the lens of digital procurement tools, supplier relationship management, and government-led reforms. Cross-cutting themes such as data integration, the role of analytics, and the impacts of external shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic are also addressed. Notable case studies from countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana highlight localized innovations and emerging best practices. Despite growing interest and some successful interventions, the review identifies critical gaps including poor infrastructure, limited technological readiness, data scarcity, and policy fragmentation. It concludes with a call for increased multi-stakeholder collaboration, targeted capacity-building, and sustained investment in digital logistics systems. This review contributes to a clearer understanding of the mechanisms needed to build resilient, efficient, and inclusive logistics networks across Africa and provides a foundation for future research and policy development in the field.

Keywords

Systematic review, Last-mile, Delivery optimization, Procurement efficiency, African logistics, Ecosystems

References

[1] Abisoye, A. and Akerele, J.I., 2021. High-Impact Data-Driven Decision-Making Model for Integrating Cutting-Edge Cybersecurity Strategies into Public Policy. Governance, and Organizational Frameworks.

[2] Addo, S.K., 2019. Challenges of E-procurement adoption in the ghana public sector: A survey of in the ministry of finance. Journal DOI, 10, p.22501991.

[3] Adebisi, B., Aigbedion, E., Ayorinde, O.B. and Onukwulu, E.C., 2021. A Conceptual Model for Predictive Asset Integrity Management Using Data Analytics to Enhance Maintenance and Reliability in Oil & Gas Operations.

[4] Adekunle, B. I., Chukwuma-Eke, E. C., Balogun, E. D., & Ogunsola, K. O. (2021). A predictive modeling approach to optimizing business operations: A case study on reducing operational inefficiencies through machine learning. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 2(1), 791–799. https://doi.org/10.54660/.IJMRGE.2021.2.1.791-799

[5] Adekunle, B. I., Chukwuma-Eke, E. C., Balogun, E. D., & Ogunsola, K. O. (2021). Machine learning for automation: Developing data-driven solutions for process optimization and accuracy improvement. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 2(1), 800–808. https://doi.org/10.54660/.IJMRGE.2021.2.1.800-808

[6] Adeleke, A. and Peter, O., 2021. Effect of Nose Radius on Surface Roughness of Diamond Turned Germanium Lenses.

[7] Adeleke, A.K., 2021. Ultraprecision Diamond Turning of Monocrystalline Germanium.

[8] Adewole, A., 2019. Logistics and supply chain infrastructure development in Africa. Logistics and global value chains in Africa: the impact on trade and development, pp.17-43.

[9] Adewoyin, M.A., 2021. Developing frameworks for managing low-carbon energy transitions: overcoming barriers to implementation in the oil and gas industry.

[10] Afolabi, S.O. and Akinsooto, O., 2021. Theoretical framework for dynamic mechanical analysis in material selection for high-performance engineering applications. Noûs, p.3.

[11] Agho, G., Ezeh, M.O., Isong, M., Iwe, D. and Oluseyi, K.A., 2021. Sustainable pore pressure prediction and its impact on geo-mechanical modelling for enhanced drilling operations. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 12(1), pp.540-557.

[12] Akinade, A.O., Adepoju, P.A., Ige, A.B., Afolabi, A.I. and Amoo, O.O., 2021. A conceptual model for network security automation: Leveraging AI-driven frameworks to enhance multi-vendor infrastructure resilience. International Journal of Science and Technology Research Archive, 1(1), pp.39-59.

[13] Akinsooto, O., 2013. Electrical energy savings calculation in single phase harmonic distorted systems. University of Johannesburg (South Africa).

[14] Akinsooto, O., De Canha, D. and Pretorius, J.H.C., 2014, September. Energy savings reporting and uncertainty in Measurement & Verification. In 2014 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference (AUPEC) (pp. 1-5). IEEE.

[15] Akinsooto, O., Pretorius, J.H. and van Rhyn, P., 2012. Energy savings calculation in a system with harmonics. In Fourth IASTED African Conference on Power and Energy Systems (AfricaPES).

[16] Alonge, E. O., Eyo-Udo, N. L., Ubanadu, B. C., Daraojimba, A. I., Balogun, E. D., & Ogunsola, K. O. (2021). Enhancing data security with machine learning: A study on fraud detection algorithms. Journal of Frontiers in Multidisciplinary Research. https://doi.org/10.54660/.IJFMR.2021.2.1.19-31

[17] Alonge, E. O., Eyo-Udo, N. L., Ubanadu, B. C., Daraojimba, A. I., Balogun, E. D., & Ogunsola, K. O. (2021, January 24). Real-time data analytics for enhancing supply chain efficiency. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation. https://doi.org/10.54660/.IJMRGE.2021.2.1.759-771

[18] Alonge, E. O., Eyo-Udo, N. L., Ubanadu, B. C., Daraojimba, A. I., Balogun, E. D., & Ogunsola, K. O. (2021, March). Digital transformation in retail banking to enhance customer experience and profitability. ICONIC Research and Engineering Journals, 4(9).

[19] Austin-Gabriel, B., Hussain, N.Y., Ige, A.B., Adepoju, P.A., Amoo, O.O. and Afolabi, A.I., 2021. Advancing zero trust architecture with AI and data science for enterprise cybersecurity frameworks. Open Access Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 1(01), pp.047-055.

[20] Babalola, F.I., Kokogho, E., Odio, P.E., Adeyanju, M.O. and Sikhakhane-Nwokediegwu, Z., 2021. The evolution of corporate governance frameworks: Conceptual models for enhancing financial performance. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 1(1), pp.589-596.

[21] Bag, S., Wood, L.C., Mangla, S.K. and Luthra, S., 2020. Procurement 4.0 and its implications on business process performance in a circular economy. Resources, conservation and recycling, 152, p.104502.

[22] Bhattarai, B.P., Paudyal, S., Luo, Y., Mohanpurkar, M., Cheung, K., Tonkoski, R., Hovsapian, R., Myers, K.S., Zhang, R., Zhao, P. and Manic, M., 2019. Big data analytics in smart grids: state‐of‐the‐art, challenges, opportunities, and future directions. IET Smart Grid, 2(2), pp.141-154.

[23] Boone, T., Ganeshan, R., Jain, A. and Sanders, N.R., 2019. Forecasting sales in the supply chain: Consumer analytics in the big data era. International journal of forecasting, 35(1), pp.170-180.

[24] Chukwuma-Eke, E.C., Ogunsola, O.Y. and Isibor, N.J., 2021. Designing a robust cost allocation framework for energy corporations using SAP for improved financial performance. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 2(1), pp.809-822.

[25] Dienagha, I.N., Onyeke, F.O., Digitemie, W.N. and Adekunle, M., 2021. Strategic reviews of greenfield gas projects in Africa: Lessons learned for expanding regional energy infrastructure and security.

[26] Dubey, R., Gunasekaran, A., Bryde, D.J., Dwivedi, Y.K. and Papadopoulos, T., 2020. Blockchain technology for enhancing swift-trust, collaboration and resilience within a humanitarian supply chain setting. International journal of Production research, 58(11), pp.3381-3398.

[27] Dubolazov, V., Simakova, Z., Dubolazova, Y. and Makarov, V., 2020, November. Consolidation of procurement in a group of interconnected enterprises. In Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference-Digital Transformation on Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Service (pp. 1-6).

[28] Egbuhuzor, N.S., Ajayi, A.J., Akhigbe, E.E., Agbede, O.O., Ewim, C.P.M. and Ajiga, D.I., 2021. Cloud-based CRM systems: Revolutionizing customer engagement in the financial sector with artificial intelligence. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 3(1), pp.215-234.

[29] Egbumokei, P.I., Dienagha, I.N., Digitemie, W.N. and Onukwulu, E.C., 2021. Advanced pipeline leak detection technologies for enhancing safety and environmental sustainability in energy operations. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 4(1), pp.222-228.

[30] Elujide, I., Fashoto, S.G., Fashoto, B., Mbunge, E., Folorunso, S.O. and Olamijuwon, J.O., 2021. Application of deep and machine learning techniques for multi-label classification performance on psychotic disorder diseases. Informatics in Medicine Unlocked, 23, p.100545.

[31] Elujide, I., Fashoto, S.G., Fashoto, B., Mbunge, E., Folorunso, S.O. and Olamijuwon, J.O., 2021. Informatics in Medicine Unlocked.

[32] Elumilade, O.O., Ogundeji, I.A., Achumie, G.O., Omokhoa, H.E. and Omowole, B.M., 2021. Enhancing fraud detection and forensic auditing through data-driven techniques for financial integrity and security. Journal of Advanced Education and Sciences, 1(2), pp.55-63.

[33] Fredson, G., Adebisi, B., Ayorinde, O.B., Onukwulu, E.C., Adediwin, O. and Ihechere, A.O., 2021. Revolutionizing procurement management in the oil and gas industry: Innovative strategies and insights from high-value projects. Int J Multidiscip Res Growth Eval [Internet].

[34] Fredson, G., Adebisi, B., Ayorinde, O.B., Onukwulu, E.C., Adediwin, O. and Ihechere, A.O., 2021. Driving organizational transformation: Leadership in ERP implementation and lessons from the oil and gas sector. Int J Multidiscip Res Growth Eval [Internet].

[35] Geels, F.W., 2019. Socio-technical transitions to sustainability: a review of criticisms and elaborations of the Multi-Level Perspective. Current opinion in environmental sustainability, 39, pp.187-201.

[36] Hager, G.D., Drobnis, A., Fang, F., Ghani, R., Greenwald, A., Lyons, T., Parkes, D.C., Schultz, J., Saria, S., Smith, S.F. and Tambe, M., 2019. Artificial intelligence for social good. arXiv preprint arXiv:1901.05406.

[37] Handfield, R., Jeong, S. and Choi, T., 2019. Emerging procurement technology: data analytics and cognitive analytics. International journal of physical distribution & logistics management, 49(10), pp.972-1002.

[38] Heaslip, G., Vaillancourt, A., Tatham, P., Kovács, G., Blackman, D. and Henry, M.C., 2019. Supply chain and logistics competencies in humanitarian aid. Disasters, 43(3), pp.686-708.

[39] Hussain, N.Y., Austin-Gabriel, B., Ige, A.B., Adepoju, P.A., Amoo, O.O. and Afolabi, A.I., 2021. AI-driven predictive analytics for proactive security and optimization in critical infrastructure systems. Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 2(02), pp.006-015.

[40] Ike, C.C., Ige, A.B., Oladosu, S.A., Adepoju, P.A., Amoo, O.O. and Afolabi, A.I., 2021. Redefining zero trust architecture in cloud networks: A conceptual shift towards granular, dynamic access control and policy enforcement. Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 2(1), pp.074-086.

[41] Jessa, E. (2017) 'Soil Stabilization Using Bio-Enzymes: A Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Methods', Journal of Communication in Physical Sciences, 2(1), pp. 50-67. Available at: https://journalcps.com/index.php/volumes/article/view/33/31.

[42] Kaplinsky, R. and Morris, M., 2019. Trade and industrialisation in Africa: SMEs, manufacturing and cluster dynamics. Journal of African Trade, 6(1), pp.47-59.

[43] Kilibarda, M., Pajić, V. and Andrejić, M., 2019. Human resources in logistics and supply chains: Current state and trends. International Journal for Traffic and Transport Engineering, 9(3), pp.270-279.

[44] Litvinenko, V.S., 2020. Digital economy as a factor in the technological development of the mineral sector. Natural Resources Research, 29(3), pp.1521-1541.

[45] Loosemore, M., Alkilani, S. and Mathenge, R., 2020. The risks of and barriers to social procurement in construction: a supply chain perspective. Construction Management and Economics, 38(6), pp.552-569.

[46] Marzban, E. and Mohammadi, M., 2020. From Solid Government to Self-Governance: Future Scenarios for Electricity Distribution in Iran. Journal of Futures Studies, 24(3).

[47] Masefield, S.C., Msosa, A. and Grugel, J., 2020. Challenges to effective governance in a low income healthcare system: a qualitative study of stakeholder perceptions in Malawi. BMC health services research, 20, pp.1-16.

[48] Massoud, M.A., Mokbel, M., Alawieh, S. and Yassin, N., 2019. Towards improved governance for sustainable solid waste management in Lebanon: Centralised vs decentralised approaches. Waste Management & Research, 37(7), pp.686-697.

[49] Nkwanyana, N.S. and Agbenyegah, A.T., 2020. The effect of supply chain management in governance: Public sector perspectives. Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management, 14(1), pp.1-9.

[50] Nwaozomudoh, M.O., Odio, P.E., Kokogho, E., Olorunfemi, T.A., Adeniji, I.E. and Sobowale, A., 2021. Developing a conceptual framework for enhancing interbank currency operation accuracy in Nigeria's banking sector. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 2(1), pp.481-494.

[51] Odedeyi, P.B., Abou-El-Hossein, K., Oyekunle, F. and Adeleke, A.K., 2020. Effects of machining parameters on Tool wear progression in End milling of AISI 316. Progress in Canadian Mechanical Engineering, 3.

[52] Odio, P.E., Kokogho, E., Olorunfemi, T.A., Nwaozomudoh, M.O., Adeniji, I.E. and Sobowale, A., 2021. Innovative financial solutions: A conceptual framework for expanding SME portfolios in Nigeria's banking sector. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 2(1), pp.495-507.

[53] Ogungbenle, H.N. and Omowole, B.M., 2012. Chemical, functional and amino acid composition of periwinkle (Tympanotonus fuscatus var radula) meat. Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res, 13(2), pp.128-132.

[54] Ogunsola, K. O., Balogun, E. D., & Ogunmokun, A. S. (2021). Enhancing financial integrity through an advanced internal audit risk assessment and governance model. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 2(1), 781–790. https://doi.org/10.54660/.IJMRGE.2021.2.1.781-790

[55] Ogwu, M.C., 2019. Towards sustainable development in Africa: the challenge of urbanization and climate change adaptation. The geography of climate change adaptation in urban Africa, pp.29-55.

[56] OJIKA, F.U., OWOBU, W.O., ABIEBA, O.A., ESAN, O.J., UBAMADU, B.C. and IFESINACHI, A., 2021. Optimizing AI Models for Cross-Functional Collaboration: A Framework for Improving Product Roadmap Execution in Agile Teams.

[57] OJIKA, F.U., OWOBU, W.O., ABIEBA, O.A., ESAN, O.J., UBAMADU, B.C. and IFESINACHI, A., 2021. A Conceptual Framework for AI-Driven Digital Transformation: Leveraging NLP and Machine Learning for Enhanced Data Flow in Retail Operations.

[58] Okolie, C.I., Hamza, O., Eweje, A., Collins, A. and Babatunde, G.O., 2021. Leveraging Digital Transformation and Business Analysis to Improve Healthcare Provider Portal. IRE Journals, 4 (10), 253-254 [online]

[59] Okolie, C.I., Hamza, O., Eweje, A., Collins, A., Babatunde, G.O. and Ubamadu, B.C., 2021. Leveraging digital transformation and business analysis to improve healthcare provider portal. Iconic Res Eng J, 4(10), pp.253-7.

[60] Okolie, C.I., Hamza, O., Eweje, A., Collins, A., Babatunde, G.O., & Ubamadu, B.C., 2021. Leveraging Digital Transformation and Business Analysis to Improve Healthcare Provider Portal. ICONIC RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING JOURNALS, 4(10), pp.253-257.

[61] Oladosu, S.A., Ike, C.C., Adepoju, P.A., Afolabi, A.I., Ige, A.B. and Amoo, O.O., 2021. The future of SD-WAN: A conceptual evolution from traditional WAN to autonomous, self-healing network systems. Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews.

[62] Oluokun, O.A., 2021. Design of a Power System with Significant Mass and Volume Reductions, Increased Efficiency, and Capability for Space Station Operations Using Optimization Approaches (Doctoral dissertation, McNeese State University).

[63] Onukwulu, E.C., Agho, M.O. and Eyo-Udo, N.L., Framework for sustainable supply chain practices to reduce carbon footprint in energy. Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology. 2021; 1 (2): 12-34 [online]

[64] Onukwulu, E.C., Dienagha, I.N., Digitemie, W.N. and Egbumokei, P.I., 2021. AI-driven supply chain optimization for enhanced efficiency in the energy sector. Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 2(1), pp.087-108.

[65] Onukwulu, E.C., Dienagha, I.N., Digitemie, W.N. and Egbumokei, P.I., 2021. Predictive analytics for mitigating supply chain disruptions in energy operations. IRE Journals.

[66] Onukwulu, E.C., Dienagha, I.N., Digitemie, W.N. and Egbumokei, P.I., 2021. Framework for decentralized energy supply chains using blockchain and IoT technologies. IRE Journals.

[67] Ørtenblad, S.B., Larsen, M.N. and Suebpongsang, P., 2020. Multi-dimensional dynamics and spatial connections in food retail markets in Thailand. Geografiska Annaler: Series B, Human Geography, 102(1), pp.40-60.

[68] Otokiti, B.O., Igwe, A.N., Ewim, C.P.M. and Ibeh, A.I., 2021. Developing a framework for leveraging social media as a strategic tool for growth in Nigerian women entrepreneurs. Int J Multidiscip Res Growth Eval, 2(1), pp.597-607.

[69] Oyedokun, O.O., 2019. Green human resource management practices and its effect on the sustainable competitive edge in the Nigerian manufacturing industry (Dangote) (Doctoral dissertation, Dublin Business School).

[70] Oyegbade, I.K., Igwe, A.N., Ofodile, O.C. and Azubuike, C., 2021. Innovative financial planning and governance models for emerging markets: Insights from startups and banking audits. Open Access Research Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 1(2), pp.108-16.

[71] Prasad, S., Shankar, R. and Roy, S., 2019. Impact of bargaining power on supply chain profit allocation: a game-theoretic study. Journal of Advances in Management Research, 16(3), pp.398-416.

[72] Rinkkala, M., Launonen, P., Weckström, N., Koponen, P. and Oy, S., 2019. Internationally significant innovation and growth ecosystems in Finland. Spinverse Oy.

[73] Steiner, A., 2019. Climate change, environment, and sustainable development in Africa. In African Economic Development (pp. 93-110). Emerald Publishing Limited.

[74] Stoyanova, M., Nikoloudakis, Y., Panagiotakis, S., Pallis, E. and Markakis, E.K., 2020. A survey on the internet of things (IoT) forensics: challenges, approaches, and open issues. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 22(2), pp.1191-1221.

[75] Thekdi, S. and Aven, T., 2019. An integrated perspective for balancing performance and risk. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 190, p.106525.

[76] Vinodh, S. and P, A., 2019. State of art perspectives of lean and sustainable manufacturing. International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, 10(1), pp.234-256.

[77] Wallet, P., Kimenyi, E., Miao, F. and Domiter, A., 2019. Improving quality and relevance of education through mobile learning in Rwanda: A promise to deliver. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

[78] Yasmine, N. and Yudoko, G., 2020. Proposed Improvement of the Contract Award Process in Contracting and Procurement using Lean Six Sigma Methodology (A Case Study of an Oil and Gas Company in Indonesia) [online]

[79] Zhang, W., Zhang, M., Zhang, W., Zhou, Q. and Zhang, X., 2020. What influences the effectiveness of green logistics policies? A grounded theory analysis. Science of the Total Environment, 714, p.136731.

How to cite this paper

Oyinomomo-emi Emmanuel Akpe, Jeffrey Chidera Ogeawuchi, Abraham Ayodeji Abayomi, Oluwademilade Aderemi Agboola, Ejielo Ogbuefi "Systematic Review of Last-Mile Delivery Optimization and Procurement Efficiency in African Logistics Ecosystems" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 5 Issue 6 2021 Page 377-388
Oyinomomo-emi Emmanuel Akpe, Jeffrey Chidera Ogeawuchi, Abraham Ayodeji Abayomi, Oluwademilade Aderemi Agboola, Ejielo Ogbuefi "Systematic Review of Last-Mile Delivery Optimization and Procurement Efficiency in African Logistics Ecosystems" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 5, no. 6, Dec. 2021
Oyinomomo-emi Emmanuel Akpe, Jeffrey Chidera Ogeawuchi, Abraham Ayodeji Abayomi, Oluwademilade Aderemi Agboola, Ejielo Ogbuefi (2021). Systematic Review of Last-Mile Delivery Optimization and Procurement Efficiency in African Logistics Ecosystems. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 5(6).
Oyinomomo-emi Emmanuel Akpe, Jeffrey Chidera Ogeawuchi, Abraham Ayodeji Abayomi, Oluwademilade Aderemi Agboola, Ejielo Ogbuefi "Systematic Review of Last-Mile Delivery Optimization and Procurement Efficiency in African Logistics Ecosystems" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 5, no. 6, Dec. 2021.
@article{1708521,
      author = {Oyinomomo-emi Emmanuel Akpe, Jeffrey Chidera Ogeawuchi, Abraham Ayodeji Abayomi, Oluwademilade Aderemi Agboola, Ejielo Ogbuefi},
      title = {Systematic Review of Last-Mile Delivery Optimization and Procurement Efficiency in African Logistics Ecosystems},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2021},
      volume = {5},
      number = {6},
      pages = {377-388},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1708521.pdf},
      abstract = {This systematic review explores the evolving landscape of last-mile delivery optimization and procurement efficiency within African logistics ecosystems. As the final and often most complex leg of the supply chain, last-mile delivery poses unique challenges in Africa due to infrastructural limitations, urban congestion, low addressability, and the prevalence of informal markets. Similarly, procurement inefficiencies driven by fragmented regulatory frameworks, limited digital adoption, and inconsistent supplier performance hamper supply chain effectiveness across the continent. This systematically analyzes peer-reviewed literature, case studies, and industry reports published over the past fifteen years to identify prevailing trends, technological innovations, and policy interventions aimed at enhancing logistical performance. The review categorizes strategies for optimizing last-mile delivery into technological advancements (e.g., mobile platforms, GPS tracking, drones), alternative delivery models (e.g., gig economy, public-private partnerships), and urban-rural adaptations. Procurement efficiency is examined through the lens of digital procurement tools, supplier relationship management, and government-led reforms. Cross-cutting themes such as data integration, the role of analytics, and the impacts of external shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic are also addressed. Notable case studies from countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana highlight localized innovations and emerging best practices. Despite growing interest and some successful interventions, the review identifies critical gaps including poor infrastructure, limited technological readiness, data scarcity, and policy fragmentation. It concludes with a call for increased multi-stakeholder collaboration, targeted capacity-building, and sustained investment in digital logistics systems. This review contributes to a clearer understanding of the mechanisms needed to build resilient, efficient, and inclusive logistics networks across Africa and provides a foundation for future research and policy development in the field.},
      keywords = {Systematic review, Last-mile, Delivery optimization, Procurement efficiency, African logistics, Ecosystems},
      month = {December},
  }