“Integrating SMEs into procurement processes enhances competitive pricing”

Amanda Serumaga, Resident Representative, UNDP Mauritius & Seychelles, highlighted the pivotal role this collaboration has played in empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and fostering economic resilience in Mauritius. “The partnership between Business Mauritius and UNDP goes back a long way,” Mrs. Serumaga stated. 

She elaborated on the three key components of the agreement between the two organisations. “The UNDP signed an agreement with Business Mauritius that includes three key components. One was to conduct a third round of the business survey to understand the needs of business and recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. Two was to carry out a national employment engagement survey. And three was to develop this very platform, a government platform to integrate SMEs and large enterprises.” 

These three components were critical in shaping the response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, and in laying the groundwork for the Business Link platform. Mrs. Serumaga proudly noted that “both surveys were successfully completed in 2023, and we are thrilled to unveil the final deliverable of this agreement, the web-based SME procurement platform called Business Link.”

The Business Link platform is more than just a technological innovation; it is a strategic tool designed to foster greater collaboration between large and small enterprises. Amanda Serumaga explained its core functionality: “This platform, of course, is designed to connect large and small companies, facilitating broader access to business opportunities. It will encourage large corporations to open their procurement processes to a wider pool of potential suppliers, including SMEs, while allowing SMEs to register specifically their products and services, and receive automated notifications about relevant procurement notices.”

This collaboration supports economic growth and job creation, and aligns with the corporate social responsibility goals

The benefits of this integration are manifold. By allowing SMEs to participate in the procurement processes of large companies, the platform offers a strategic advantage that can potentially transform the supply chain landscape in Mauritius. “Integrating SMEs into procurement processes enhances innovation, agility, and specialisation, driving efficiency and competitive pricing,” Mrs. Serumaga emphasised. This not only benefits large companies by providing them with a diverse supplier base, but also fosters more innovative solutions and quicker market responses.

The launch of the Business Link platform is not just about economic growth; it is also aligned with broader goals of sustainability and corporate social responsibility. She highlighted this, stating that “additionally, this collaboration supports economic growth and job creation, and aligns with the corporate social responsibility goals by empowering local communities and promoting sustainability.”

“The UNDP Mauritius Country Office has played a critical role in supporting the development and promotion of digital platforms in Mauritius,” Mrs. Serumaga noted. This involvement is particularly significant in light of the challenges faced by SMEs during the pandemic, as highlighted by the surveys conducted in collaboration with Business Mauritius.

The global business environment remains fraught with challenges, a reality that Mrs. Serumaga did not shy away from addressing, adding that the lasting impact of the pandemic, coupled with ongoing geopolitical tensions, has created a volatile business landscape. “Globally, business owners are experiencing slower growth rates than expected. The International Monetary Fund predicts a slowdown in global growth from 3.5% in 2022 to 3% in 2023 and 2.9% in 2024, below a historical average of 3.8%.”

These projections underline the importance of platforms like Business Link, which can help SMEs navigate these uncertain times. “While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear. There’s no turning back to the pre-COVID-19 economy,” Mrs. Serumaga remarked, highlighting the significant shifts in consumer behaviour and the rise of e-commerce, remote work, and virtual learning.

Looking ahead, she reaffirmed UNDP’s will to advance its partnership with the private sector. “UNDP is committed to advancing our partnership with the private sector beyond generating knowledge through these three surveys with Business Mauritius,” she said, underscoring the organisation’s ongoing efforts to enhance the capacity of small businesses.

“We have supported the establishment of national strategies, focusing on providing women in business, and developed digital platforms for market integration,” she added, emphasising the importance of inclusive economic development. 

Mrs. Serumaga issued a call to action for both large companies and SMEs. “We encourage both large companies and SMEs to make full use of this platform and to take advantage of the opportunities available in the country.” 

Her words resonate as a reminder that the success of the Business Link platform – and the broader economic resilience of Mauritius – depends on the active participation and collaboration of all stakeholders.