BrazilSam Achampong (CIPS): ‘The future of procurement in the Middle East is bright’
The procurement landscape is undergoing rapid change and professionalization, with the Middle East at the forefront of the developments. Sam Achampong, Regional Director for the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, outlines how the region is making strides.
In my role as Regional Director of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), I’ve seen first-hand how the MENA region has set itself apart on the global procurement stage. The regulatory environment here has proven to be not just responsive but transformative, an asset in helping procurement professionals navigate and even excel amid the global disruptions we’ve all faced recently.
This progress didn’t happen by chance. Across the region, regulators are agile, decisive, and proactive, and they are increasingly setting the bar high for procurement practices around the world. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have emerged as clear leaders in this space, benefitting from a combination of bold policy moves and strategic partnerships to build a resilient, transparent procurement ecosystem.
MENA’s standouts
One of the biggest advantages we have in MENA is our emphasis on transparency and trust. Transparency isn’t just a word thrown around; it’s a core tenet that shapes every aspect of procurement. When suppliers are required to adhere to stringent transparency standards, we reduce risk across the board.
Transparency helps us select dependable, ethical suppliers and build long-lasting relationships, which is crucial for continuity, especially in a global environment where disruptions are becoming the norm. This focus on accountability allows procurement professionals to act with greater confidence, knowing that every step of the process is clear and verified.
Another critical factor in the region’s resilience is supplier diversification and near-shoring. We’ve made a concerted effort to broaden our supplier base and, where possible, to source closer to home. Relying heavily on single suppliers or distant sources leaves us vulnerable to external shocks, so diversifying suppliers not only strengthens our resilience but also fosters local economic growth.
Near-shoring has been a game changer, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where there’s a strong push to support local suppliers and reduce our dependency on lengthy supply chains. With this approach, procurement professionals in the region have been able to respond faster and more flexibly to changes in demand or unexpected disruptions, which is a powerful competitive advantage.
To a ‘supply web’
In many ways, the traditional idea of a supply chain is evolving, and we’re shifting toward what I like to call a supply web. This is an interconnected network that enables businesses to maintain flexibility and adapt quickly to changing conditions. Unlike a linear supply chain, which can be fragile and rigid, a supply web supports multiple pathways, so if one link breaks, the entire system doesn’t collapse.
This concept has taken root in the MENA region as we continue to embrace multi-layered supplier relationships that allow for greater adaptability and resilience.
Technology
Technology has played a massive role in this transformation. MENA’s procurement professionals are among the most technologically advanced in the world, and that’s largely because we’ve made a significant investment in digital tools. E-sourcing platforms, real-time data analytics, and supplier relationship management systems have allowed us to move away from transactional procurement to a much more strategic function.
With these tools, we can anticipate risks, evaluate supplier performance, and make data-driven decisions. Regionally, we’re not just adopting these technologies; we’re embracing them as part of our strategy to drive forward-thinking procurement practices.
Further reading: Generative AI can boost the procurement function, says Roland Berger.
The road ahead for procurement
Looking ahead, I believe the MENA region will continue to be a global leader in procurement. We’ve built a foundation based on resilience, transparency and a commitment to innovation. With strong regulatory frameworks, a focus on supplier diversity, and embracing digital tools, the region will continue raising the bar.
The future of procurement in MENA is bright, and I am confident that as we continue to build on these strengths, we will influence and inspire procurement practices worldwide.
