Experts charge procurement pros on technology, sustainability at APSCA 2023

Procurement officers have been advised on the need to inject technology into processes, to enable them check leakages, achieve maximum result and enhance their companies’ bottom-line.

The advice was given by procurement experts drawn from companies across Africa  at this year’s Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Awards (APSCA), held in Lagos, recently.

Speaking on the issue, the Group Head Supply Chain, Jospong Group of Companies, Hannah Otu, advised procurement managers to always ensure sustainability in their procurement process.

She also stressed the need for such officers to be conscious of what they intend to purchase by taking into serious consideration the disposability of such products immediately after use.

According to her, one of the strategies the group has employed over the years is to adopt technology in its procurement process so as to ensure that it is buying right.

Besides, Otu added, a key criterion which is always insisted upon by the company in its procurement bidding process is to also analyse the sustainability profile of its prospective customers or bidders.

In his own contribution, representative of the Volta River Authority, Ghana, Jacob Otuche, stated that the company, which controls a sizeable share of the electricity generation market in the West African country, has used technology to set up a robust annual purchase calendar and virtually engage its customers.

“We have an application that enables us plan for a whole year. Besides we have introduced technology into our processes and this enables us digitally engage our customers. Through this, we have been able to achieve transparency and check leakages,” he stated.

The General Manager, Supply Chain Management Finance, MTN Nigeria, Mr Adeola Oduntan, stated that as a telecom company, MTN Nigeria has continued to avail itself of digital opportunities by employing technology in every category of the supply chain.

Speaking on the rationale behind the annual event, the Group CEO of Instinct Wave, organisers of the summit, Mr Akin Naphtal, explained that the aim was to lift the veil on the procurement and supply chain in Africa, hence the decision of the organisers to move it to Nigeria after a successful exploit in Ghana.

One of the highlights of the one-day event was the conferment of the Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Awards on the Director-General of the Lagos State Procurement Agency, Fatai Onafowote.

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