The African Development Bank Group’s Regional Development and Business Delivery Office for Southern Africa last week brought together more than 30 key service providers to strengthen collaboration and showcase business opportunities across the continent at its annual Strategic Partners Breakfast Meeting.
The event, held at the African Development Bank’s regional office in Pretoria, aimed to strengthen the Bank’s partnerships with South African suppliers and boost the participation of South African companies in the Bank’s procurement landscape.
African Development Bank’s Regional Chief Contract and Procurement Officer Oltesh Thobia explained that the meeting was convened to raise awareness of the opportunities available at the Bank’s Regional Development and Business Delivery Office for Southern Africa, headquarters, and other regional and country offices.
The event featured comprehensive presentations on the African Development Bank’s mandate, procurement processes, and business opportunities across the Bank’s more than 35 African offices. The Bank’s Chief Regional Corporate Services and Procurement Officer for East Africa, Mose Mabe-Koofhethile, highlighted upcoming procurement opportunities across the Bank, including facilities management, security services, transportation, audio-visual solutions, and event management for the Bank’s 2025 Annual Meetings.
The African Development Bank used the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to transparent, fair, competitive, and accountable procurement processes. It encouraged South African suppliers to explore continental partnerships through joint ventures and teaming arrangements, thereby competing in new territories.
“We have always benefited from this type of interaction to understand what the African Development Bank does and what opportunities are available elsewhere,” said Cynthia Mkhombo, Chief Executive Officer of Masana Hygiene Services. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with the African Development Bank.”
Director of Blinds by Bennet, Sharon Bennet: “We have been working with the Bank for the past three years, and we appreciate the opportunity to have been invited to participate in this event, understand how the Bank works, and the opportunities that are available in the Bank. We got to know the Bank more and understand how they operate openly and transparently.”
The breakfast meeting follows successful supplier engagement events in October 2023 and March 2024. It continues the Bank’s tradition of fostering open dialogue and building stronger relationships with its supplier community.
Source African Development Bank Group
