Harnessing Untapped Indigenous African Philosophies to Address Contemporary Supply Chain Management Challenges: Insights from Òwè and Àáró

This article examines how the Yoruba concepts of ọ̀wẹ̀ and àáró can be integrated into modern supply chain management (SCM) to address persistent problems of inequality, inefficiency, and systemic fragility. Drawing on indigenous West African practice, it shows how ọ̀wẹ̀, a model of altruistic collaboration, and àáró, a structured system of reciprocal labor exchange, can foster fairness, trust, and resilience. The paper combines this indigenous knowledge with established SCM theories to build an integrated framework for contemporary SCM challenges. We argue that ọ̀wẹ̀ supports weaker actors and encourages inclusivity, while àáró improves efficiency through organized reciprocity. The two offer concrete strategies for managing disruptions and reducing resource dependence. A conceptual matrix links these practices to current supply chain issues, highlighting their potential to improve resource sharing, stakeholder collaboration, and network stability. The article also proposes research questions and methodologies for empirical testing to advance sustainable SCM practice. More broadly, it extends theoretical understanding of collaborative supply chain models and offers practical insight for building more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable global supply chains.