SMEs are able to access relevant skills to enable them to be more competitive and deliver on quality . The platform has facilitated increased compliance from SMEs on requirements to do business and trained SMEs to enable them to scale up . For partner buyers , this has made procurement processes much easier . Buyers gain direct connection and access to a pool of validated cross-sector suppliers as well as analytical tools that enable them to evaluate their procurement impact .
The potential benefits of more radical transparency within public procurement systems would also be game-changing for SMEs . It would enable greater opportunities for all economic players and provide businesses confidence for SMEs looking to participate in government markets . Public procurement that provided the same level of inbuilt assurance , systemic checks and balances and strict measures to ensure transparency , zero tolerance on corruption , due process , zero or minimal fees to participate in tender inclusion and lower tender requirements could grow the SME sector in Africa .
“ Business can play a critical role by making clear to governments that more transparent markets is what they want and what they support . Business calls for governments to reform their public procurement systems to make them more transparent , fair and competitive have been growing ,” said Bob Collymore , Safaricom CEO , while speaking at the Concordia Summit .
“ In Kenya we ’ ve supported the creation of the African Partner Pool to create more transparent and competitive markets for African companies and SMEs . Companies can also make their own procurement much more transparent and competitive .” He added .
Initiatives like the African Partner Pool promote fair market access to opportunity and tackle corruption within procurement . Through these , we ensure more growth , sustainability and opportunity within African economies . Joint partnerships between businesses and governments will ensure a future where inequality gaps close and communities and businesses thrive .
Denis Mbau is Public Relations Consultant working with Invest In Africa-Kenya . You can engage him on this or related matters via mail at : Denis . Mbau @ investinafrica . com .