A first-of-its-kind forum has been established to represent senior procurement and supply chain professionals within telecommunications, specifically those in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The forum has been established to share best practice and relevant initiatives said Sam Achampong, Head of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) in the MENA region.

“There are several forums and networking opportunities for professionals to discuss procurement and supply chain in general. This one enables the discussion to be more focussed on issues specific to telecoms procurement.”

Unlike other companies in most other fields, telecommunication firms depend heavily on third parties such as network equipment suppliers, IT vendors, and handset manufacturers to identify and harness external resources efficiently to remain competitive.

Formed in collaboration with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a founder member and key participant, the forum is open to any telecom service provider or affiliated organisation.

Achampong says the organisation comprises senior leaders from the region’s most prominent telecom organisations.

“As the group evolves, we hope to see best practice and consolidated thinking which will ultimately raise the overall maturity of procurement across the telecoms sector as well as closer and more sustainable/strategic collaboration amongst providers, suppliers and service providers,” said.

The new procurement forum is an addition to several groups facilitated by CIPS, including the MENA Financial Services Procurement Group, the Middle East Youth Committee and the Aerospace Defence Procurement Group.

Procurement crucial

Unlike other companies in most other fields, telecommunication firms depend heavily on third parties such as network equipment suppliers, IT vendors, and handset manufacturers to identify and harness external resources efficiently to remain competitive.

According to American management consulting firm AT Kearney procurement is crucial in the complete product development cycle of any company.

The firm identifies factors that are useful to its practitioners within telecommunications. These include the shared sense of overriding purpose, earned credibility in various aspects (including distinguishing between cost avoidance and cost reduction), communicating achievements and successes, and the quest to create a big impact.