A new German law forcing corporates to heed human rights in their supply chains will come into effect on January 1. The law is feared by some firms, but others have started early and say there's nothing to worry about.

For more than two years the only way for container shipping prices was up. That trend is now reversing as backlogs at ports dissolve and supply chain snarls ease. But nothing's ever going to be back to normal.

Meet the Nigerian startups that are digitizing the Nigerian food supply chain, helping merchants navigate high food inflation and avoid crowded markets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vendease and Sabi have created digital marketplaces that allow wholesalers, shopkeepers and restauranteurs to purchase directly from farmers and manufacturers at more affordable rates.

Brexit, Christmas and the coronavirus pandemic have led to congestion problems at some of the UK's biggest ports. In turn, a lack of parts have arrived at a factory in southern England, leading to a temporary closure.

Poor infrastructure, logistical hurdles and high prices are some of the challenges that have long affected Africa's food supply. With border closures and night curfews, the pandemic has exacerbated these problems.