Safaricom PLC has been crowned Best Use of Digital Technology at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Africa Excellence in Procurement and Supply Awards 2025. This award recognises Safaricom’s impressive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in procurement.
A Game Changing AI Solution
The award is for Safaricom’s AI powered Supply Market Analysis initiative, a solution that provides real time market trends, supplier landscapes, cost structures, competition and commodity risks. This digital innovation has reduced market analysis time from nearly a month to 10 minutes, enabling faster and more informed sourcing decisions.
By improving procurement efficiency, the initiative has not only accelerated tender cycles but also cost insights leading to more strategic sourcing decisions that impact the bottom line.
Driving Procurement Efficiency and Agility
This award is a testament to Safaricom’s commitment to adopting digital technologies to improve efficiency and agility in the business. The AI solution is part of a suite of digital tools being rolled out across the organisation to transform procurement into a more innovative and responsive function.
Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa said, “This award brings us closer to our vision of being Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030. By using AI to work smarter, we are making our operations faster, smarter and more innovative.”
Safaricom Leads the Way
Safaricom was chosen from a strong shortlist that included Rohloff Group for Energy Management and World Vision East African Region for Contract Life Cycle Management (CLM). This win shows Safaricom is setting the benchmark for the industry through the use of digital tools that enable decision making and efficiency.
About the CIPS Africa Excellence Awards
The CIPS Africa Excellence in Procurement and Supply Awards celebrate organisations that are leading change in procurement and supply chain management. These awards recognise companies that are setting standards, driving value and advancing the procurement profession across the continent.