- Partnership to Boost Product Development for Manufacturers through “SME Connect” Digital Market Linkage
Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has signed a partnership deal with Ajua, Africa’s first Integrated Customer Experience Company, to drive the uptake of Kenyan made goods through the latter’s SME Connect digital platform.
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.
KAM Chief Executive Phylis Wakiaga said the platform will create demand for locally manufactured products because close to 42 percent of manufacturers have endured, leading them to cut production by Half.
“As the economy re-opens, manufacturers need to quickly identify their key vulnerabilities and establish strong frameworks around their supply chains as they plan for their recovery post-Covid,” she said.
She further added that “The uptake of digital marketplaces in Kenya remains low despite its immense benefits…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.”
Ajua’s Executive vice-president, Commercial, Gilbert Saggia said the 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 said the platform can enable SMEs to access credit facilities from financial institutions in addition to real-time customer feedback.
