Khavitha Singh,Toyota Head of Lean Management at TWIMS, this course bridges theory with real-world practice in the African manufacturing and supply chain context.
“At ICOPEX 2025 in Porto Portugal, TWIMS had the opportunity to showcase our work on Lean leadership and Psychological safety, a topic that is becoming increasingly important across the African manufacturing industry that is navigating growth, competitiveness, and global integration.
As organisations face rapid transitions, the ability of leaders to move beyond traditional command-and-control mindsets towards more inclusive, trust-based leadership is essential. Creating safe environments where teams and value network partners feel empowered to contribute, learn, and create value is at the heart of sustainable lean transformation and operational excellence journeys.
The presentation highlighted that lean is not only about tools and processes – it is equally about the human element of leadership. In addition, the conference highlighted the role of Hoshin Kanri in aligning strategy and advocated more research within the intersections of lean with sustainability and digitisation.
These conversations must deepen if organisations are to build globally competitive yet locally relevant manufacturing ecosystems.”