Digital Technology Excellence Honored: Safaricom Triumphs at CIPS Africa Procurement Awards
In the dynamic world of business, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising procurement operations, and PLC is leading the charge. The organisation was recently honoured with the "Best Use of Digital Technology" award at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Africa Excellence in Procurement and Supply Awards 2025.
The award recognises the innovative use of digital tools to enhance procurement operations, efficiency, and decision-making. PLC's AI-powered Supply Market Analysis initiative has been instrumental in this transformation, providing real-time insights into market definitions, supplier landscapes, cost structures, competition, trends, and commodity risks.
This cutting-edge solution has significantly improved sourcing decisions, reducing market analysis time from nearly a month to just 10 minutes. By analysing large volumes of spend data, PLC's AI identifies opportunities for cost savings, such as best suppliers, volume discounts, and maverick spending avoidance, potentially reducing procurement costs by 5–15%.
Moreover, the AI solution monitors transactions in real time to prevent non-compliant purchases and optimise the total cost of ownership (TCO). This proactive approach to cost control is a significant advantage in today's competitive market.
The AI-powered Supply Market Analysis initiative is part of a broader suite of digital solutions being scaled across PLC. This comprehensive approach to digital transformation is expected to further enhance strategic sourcing, cost control, risk management, supplier evaluation, sustainability alignment, and operational efficiency within PLC's procurement functions.
Safaricom PLC, another trailblazer in the use of AI, was also shortlisted for the same awards. Their success demonstrates how digital tools can empower decision-making, improve efficiency, and set new benchmarks for the industry. Safaricom aims to become Africa's leading purpose-led technology company by 2030, and their AI-driven initiatives are a testament to their commitment to this goal.
The CIPS Africa Excellence in Procurement and Supply Awards is a prestigious event in the procurement industry, celebrating organisations leading change and driving value in the procurement and supply profession. Alongside PLC and Safaricom, organisations like Rohloff Group and World Vision East African Region were also recognised for their exceptional work in the field.
World Vision East African Region was celebrated for its Contract Life Cycle Management (CLM) project, while the Rohloff Group's achievements in cost savings and spend optimisation were also highlighted. The CIPS Africa Excellence in Procurement and Supply Awards is a programme hosted by the CIPS, the awarding body for the profession that sets the Global Standard for Procurement and Supply.
In conclusion, the integration of AI in supply market analysis is transforming procurement operations, offering benefits such as cost savings, risk management, improved sourcing decisions, and enhanced supplier relationships. The success of PLC and Safaricom in the CIPS Africa Excellence in Procurement and Supply Awards 2025 serves as a beacon for other organisations looking to harness the power of AI to drive efficiency, innovation, and success in their procurement functions.
The award recognizes PLC's innovative use of digital technology, specifically Artificial Intelligence (AI), to revolutionize procurement operations, and their AI-powered Supply Market Analysis initiative was instrumental in this transformation.
PLC's AI solution, part of their broader digital transformation strategy, monitors transactions in real-time, analyzes large volumes of spend data, and identifies cost savings opportunities, making a significant impact on procurement costs.
