NAIROBI, Kenya – Safaricom has emerged as the winner of the Best Use of Digital Technology category at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Africa Excellence in Procurement and Supply Awards 2025.
The recognition was tied to Safaricom’s Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven Supply Market Analysis platform, which generates instant insights on supplier dynamics, price structures, competition, and commodity risks.
The system has cut the time taken to conduct market research from close to four weeks to around 10 minutes, streamlining sourcing decisions and accelerating procurement cycles.
“This award brings us closer to our vision of becoming Africa’s leading purpose-led technology company by 2030. By using AI to improve how we work, we are making our operations faster, smarter and more innovative,” said CEO Peter Ndegwa.
The AI solution is part of a series of digital initiatives Safaricom is embedding across its operations in a bid to improve efficiency and responsiveness in procurement.
Industry analysts note that the technology not only saves time but also enhances transparency in cost evaluation and competitive bidding.
Other contenders for the digital technology award included Rohloff Group, which was recognised for its Energy Management programme, and World Vision East African Region, acknowledged for introducing Contract Life Cycle Management (CLM).
The CIPS Africa awards highlight innovations shaping the future of procurement and supply chain management.
By honouring organisations that embrace new approaches, the awards underscore how digitalisation is redefining processes once considered slow and paper-heavy.
Safaricom’s win reflects the increasing role of artificial intelligence in corporate governance and supply chain strategy.
Observers argue that the company’s approach demonstrates how technology can transform internal functions while setting standards for peers in both the private and development sectors.
