KAM, Ajua Partner to Boost Product Development for Manufacturers through “SME Connect” Digital Market Linkage
Nairobi –
Africa’s first Integrated Customer Experience Company, Ajua has signed a partnership deal with Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) to drive the uptake of Kenyan made goods and unlock markets for local manufacturers through Ajua’s SME Connect digital platform – a platform that drives feedback through the entire value chain from consumer to manufacturers.
Some of the biggest challenges holding back manufacturers in today’s market include reduced demand for their goods. This has forced up to 42% of manufacturers to cut production to less than half their capacity according to a report by KAM and audit firm KPMG. Manufacturers are also struggling to find the necessary tools to understand value chain connections and operate their businesses competitively. As the economy reopens, manufacturers need to quickly identify their key vulnerabilities and establish strong frameworks around their supply chains as they plan for their recovery post-COVID.
The SME Connect digital platform enables manufacturers to not only directly access retailers but also provide them access to feedback that comes from their consumers. This allows them to better enhance their products, market positioning and relevant competitive strategies that are critical for survival in the current market dynamics.
For 61 years, KAM has played an active role in driving fact-based advocacy towards the formation of industrial policies that enhance the competitiveness of local industries in Kenya including access to local, regional and international markets. The Ajua partnership furthers KAM’s 2020 objectives of providing market linkages for manufacturers and SME development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, KAM Chief Executive, Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga noted that market dynamics are shifting as consumers embrace digital platforms to access essentials in the wake of the pandemic.
She further added that, “The uptake of digital marketplaces in Kenya remains low despite its immense benefits. The current pandemic has altered the retail landscape in the country as consumers shift to online platforms to access products. This partnership will therefore promote the uptake of digital platforms by manufacturers to enable them to gain access to local markets and new customers whilst reinventing their business models to align with changing technologies,” remarked Ms. Wakiaga.
Speaking on the value of the SME Connect platform for manufacturers, Ajua’s Executive Vice President, Commercial, Dr. Gilbert Saggia shared, “Manufacturers in emerging markets, particularly Africa struggle to compete with global products. Ajua SME Connect enhances product development by giving manufacturers a platform to close the feedback loop between manufacturers and their customers with real-time customer feedback with high fidelity market data.” He further added, “Since the onset of COVID-19 in Kenya, SMEs have struggled with cash flow, with up to 63% of SMEs reporting losses. To facilitate the reopening of our markets in the midst of this challenge, Ajua’s SME Connect can enable SMEs to access credit facilities from financial institutions in addition to giving them access to actionable real-time customer feedback.”
Manufacturers interested in this opportunity may sign up their businesses on the portal https://sme-manufacturer.ajua.com/ to learn more about the opportunity, create and manage their accounts with SMEs.
From Left to Right: KAM Head of Membership and Governance, Tobias Alando, KAM CEO Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga, Ajua Executive VP, Dr. Gilbert Saggia and Ajua Chief Product Officer Louis Majanja presiding over the KAM-Ajua partnership agreement signing ceremony.
From Left to Right: Ajua Chief Product Officer Louis Majanja, Ajua Executive VP, Dr. Gilbert Saggia, KAM CEO Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga, KAM Head of Membership and Governance, Tobias Alando and KAM Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Sally Kahiu at the recently concluded KAM-Ajua partnership agreement signing ceremony.
About Ajua
Ajua is Africa’s first Integrated Customer Experience company for businesses on the continent. We exist to bridge the gap between businesses and their customers. Ajua’s technology integrates with businesses at the points that matter most to their customers to measure and optimize their Customer Experience. Ajua’s platform has enabled leading brands of various sizes and industries on the continent to create actionable strategies that drive business growth.
Ajua officially rebranded from mSurvey on July 31st, 2019 to reflect our growth, ambition and African Identity in our corporate brand.
For more information please contact:
The Marketing team at [email protected] or Leonida Kombo – Communication & Content Manager, Ajua | [email protected] | +254 726 024 751.
About Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
KAM is a Business Member Organization representing value-add companies and associate services in Kenya. Its members’ significant contribution to the economy is estimated at a quarter of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. The Association provides an essential link for co-operation, dialogue and understanding with the Government and other key stakeholders by representing its members’ views and concerns through fact-based policy advocacy.
KAM promotes trade and investment, upholds standards, encourages the formulation, enactment and administration of sound policies that facilitate a competitive business environment and reduce the cost of doing business.
The Association houses the UN Global Compact Network Kenya chapter and its CEO – Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga is the Network Board Chair.
For more information please contact:
Sally Kahiu, Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Kenya Association of Manufacturers on 0706 322 488 or email [email protected].
