This month, we are focusing on the evolution of procurement in a rapidly changing territory: the Middle East.
Sam Achampong: Unlocking procurement transformation in the Middle East
Our feature interview is with Sam Achampong, Regional Director of CIPS for the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, who discusses how the procurement function has evolved within the region amid a wider diversification within the Middle East.
Since Achampong first entered the Middle East in 2008 and significant transformation has taken place both within the region and in the procurement function itself since.
“One of the main reasons I went there was because it was exciting. It gave me an opportunity to not just do roles where you’re turning the wheel. Every single role I went to was about setting up a team. The region has changed massively. If you look at Saudi who are going through the Saudi Vision 2030, which is a huge transformation exercise, the UAE did that back in 2007, and got to that level of maturity to diversify their economy fully away from reliance on oil back then and look at how the economy has changed. I think you can really see the ambition and change in what is happening in the region.”
Procuring Local Content: Real Estate Registry and Vision 2030
Sagri M. Alsagri, Director of Procurement at RER, explores RER’s role in supporting Vision 2030 through procurement by championing Local Content. It’s a pivotal moment in time for the Saudi Arabian economy as the Kingdom works towards its Vision 2030 goals. Saudi Vision 2030 is a catch-all for a sweeping, monumental initiative aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy, creating new jobs for Saudi nationals, and reducing the country’s reliance on oil. A key element of this initiative is a nationwide effort to refocus the economy on ‘Local Content’ — a conscious effort to use local resources — from Saudi workforces and domestic suppliers to locally made goods and services — throughout the economy.
Hani AlSaigh: From policy to progress: How Saudi Arabia’s procurement transformation is shaping Vision 2030
Hani AlSaigh, Executive at a leading Saudi Company and Board member of the Saudi Procurement and Supply Chain Society, explores how Saudi Arabia is professionalising procurement, driving local content and embracing AI and sustainability as part of its national transformation…
Saudi Arabia’s procurement landscape is undergoing a bold, strategic transformation. As part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, organisations are moving beyond traditional, transactional procurement models towards building a function that is more mature, capable and adds strategic value. It is a reflection of the Kingdom’s ambition to redefine how organisations create value, while driving local content and sustainability.
A.R.M. Holding: From transactional to transformational – a procurement revolution
Ahmed Raafat, Associate Director of Procurement and Supply Chain at A.R.M. Holding and his team, tell us how the private diversified investment group, with an evolving portfolio across real estate, cultural initiatives and community development, has redefined the role of procurement within the organisation. A function that is now a strategic partner to the business, driving measurable efficiencies and value…
Ismail Ibrahim Al Janahi: Driving growth through strategic procurement across the Middle East
Procurement across the Middle East is rapidly transforming from a back-office function into a strategic engine for national growth, innovation and global competitiveness. Procurement Expert and MCIPS holder Ismail Ibrahim Al Janahi reflects on the evolution of modern procurement, the importance of supplier ecosystems and the power of digital transformation, while sharing his vision for the capabilities and leadership required to shape the next decade…