From crisis preparedness to sustainable development: integrating technology innovation in driving Africa's supply chain management in LASEMA

Abstract This study examines how innovative technologies can be integrated into the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) supply chain management practices so as to improve crisis preparedness and promote sustainable development, highlighting challenges like inadequate infrastructure, poor information flow, limited coordination, and resource constraints. The study was grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory. The study employed the interpretivism philosophy, and a qualitative approach was adopted using forty semi-structured interviews for data collection and analysis. Secondary data were sourced from the internet, newspapers, and other reports. Study findings indicate that applying technological innovations can significantly reduce the time required for mobilising and distributing emergency resources. IoT sensors provide real-time visibility to the supply of emergency and humanitarian materials, reducing losses and bottlenecks, while blockchain technology improves transparency and traceability, drastically reducing the risk of fraud. AI and predictive analytics enhance demand forecasting, allowing LASEMA to allocate resources more efficiently, reducing overstocking and wastage. The study concludes that integrating these technologies would enhance collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and community stakeholders, promoting a collaborative ecosystem that promotes sustainable practices. The study recommends implementing data-driven decision-making through big data analytics to provide insights into risk patterns, resource allocation, and response tactics in real-time. It is germane to develop and train LASEMA's staff with the right skills, which can be achieved by collaborating with ac ademic institutions, tech startups, and international organisations. Hence, technology-driven advancements in supply chain management bolster LASEMA's initiatives in building resilient urban systems that align with SDGs 9 and 11. The study contributes to environmental sustainability, social equity, waste reduction, and long-term institutional resilience that are further examined alongside a phased technology-implementation roadmap that addresses cost, cybersecurity, infrastructure, data-quality, and staff-capability constraints.