Part of 20th Annual Smart Procurement World Indaba

Smart Supplier Conference

Empowering Suppliers with Insights to Grow Compete & Succeed

About the Absa Smart Supplier Conference

The Absa Smart Supplier Conference is a high-impact business growth and market access event bringing together 300+ suppliers, entrepreneurs, buyers, funders and business enablers for a day of practical insight, opportunity and connection.

The conference brings together leading corporate buyers, procurement professionals, funders and business experts for a day of practical insight, meaningful connections and strategic engagement.

Suppliers, Buyers & Funders

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What Delegates Will Gain

Actionable strategies and tools to accelerate business readiness.

Strategic Gathering

The conference brings together leading corporate buyers, procurement professionals, funders and business experts for a day of practical insight, meaningful connections and strategic engagement.

Practical Insights & Growth

Delegates will gain valuable perspectives on access to funding from institutions, market access opportunities, supplier readiness, business growth strategies and the key enablers required to build sustainable and scalable enterprises.

Direct Market Access

The conference is followed by a dynamic Supplier MatchUp session connecting delegates directly with buyers and opportunities.

Connection & Engagement

The day concludes with the highly anticipated Cocktail Networking Reception, where meaningful business relationships are built and new opportunities begin

Programme

SMART SUPPLIER CONFERENCE

9:00

Registration & Networking

09h40

Opening | Mzanzi Youth Choir

10h00

Welcome from MC

Lerato Sebata

CEO / Procurement Expert, ROI Group

10h05

Key Note Address – Absa

Monnie Mongwe

Executive - SME Regions: Gauteng North & Limpopo, Absa

10h10

Supplier Voices: Turning Challenges into Growth

A powerful panel where business leaders share how they turned obstacles into opportunities. Expect real stories of resilience, leadership, and growth. This session offers inspiration and practical advice for fellow SMMEs.

Elmarie Goosen

Founder, Small Business Helpdesk

Florence Ntshudisane

Founder & CEO, Flory’s Health and Skincare

Gontse Selaocoe

Director, All Day Jam

Sharrol Ramukhubathi

Managing Director, Andani Ash Suppliers

Simangele Mphahlele

Co-Founder, ejoobi

10h55

Digital Transformation for SMMEs: Leveraging e‑procurement platforms, AI tools, and digital marketing to scale.

This session explores how small businesses can harness digital solutions to drive growth. From e‑procurement platforms to AI‑powered tools and smart marketing strategies, experts share practical ways for SMMEs to embrace technology, streamline operations, and expand their reach.

Yashodh Singh

Regional Vice President, Sub Saharan Africa, Coupa Software

11h15

What happens if we connect the whole South African entrepreneurial eco system?

Gift Lubele

Director, Rinku

11h25

Unlocking Funding Pathways for SMMEs

Access to finance remains one of the biggest hurdles for small businesses. This session explores practical funding options, innovative models, and expert insights to help SMMEs navigate the financial landscape. Attendees will gain clarity on opportunities and strategies to secure the support needed for sustainable growth.

Petra Rees

Founder & COO, KAI Connect

Darlene Menzies

Chief Executive Officer, Finfind

Khanya Ndzululeka

Co-Founder and Director, Mustard Finance Group

Muhammad Mia

Chief Risk Officer, National Empowerment Fund

Paepae Malatji

Investment Analyst, SEDFA Gauteng South

Thys Tekela

Senior ED Specialist, Absa

12h10

LUNCH BREAK

12h55

Meet the Helpdesk

This interactive session gives SMMEs the chance to connect directly with the consultants behind the Helpdesk. Each specialist will introduce themselves, share their areas of expertise, and explain how they can support your business journey.

Elmarie Goosen

Founder, Small Business Helpdesk

Brad Watridge

Senior Partner & Strategist, Hot Mustard

Kulani Shiluvane

Founder & Chief Solutionist, Shluvah

Larissa Cornelius

CEO & Chief Win Strategist, nFold

Lorna Ernst

Social Lead: Risk & Compliance Manager, Xerus Consulting

Marlon August

Business Strategist, Story Advantage Marketing Agency

Pamella Ndzumo

Managing Director, Ndzumo Consulting

Tamara Al-Halaseh

Executive Coach & Wellness Counsellor, EverJOURNEY Coaching & Wellness

13h10

Panel Discussion: Positioning Yourself as a Strategic Partner to Clients

Procurement leaders from diverse industries share how suppliers can move beyond transactional relationships to become trusted, strategic partners. This discussion highlights practical approaches, industry insights, and the mindset shifts needed to build long‑term, value‑driven client partnerships.

Lerato Sebata

CEO / Procurement Expert, ROI Group

Mohamed Keeka

Executive: IT and Professional Business Services (PBS) Sourcing, Telkom

Thabang Motsohi

Group Supplier Development Manager, Sun International

Thingwa Mokoko

Senior Manager: Strategic Sourcing, African Bank

14h00

Supplier MatchUp Sessions

16h00

Treasure Hunt/Networking

16h30

Cocktail

Secure Your Place

Want to find out more about attending or getting involved? Fill in the form or reach out directly to our team.

Let's get in touch

We appreciate the opportunity to engage with suppliers. We met a lot of diverse suppliers and are looking forward to working with you in the future.

It was a very fruitful event and engagement with SMMEs, it’s great to engage with them one on one and share their needs.

The Event was very insightful, informative, inspiring and beneficial. We have managed to network, build a customer base and relationship. We got to meet new faces, and access to companies.

We had a great time at the event, meeting up with potential suppliers and having that personal touch that has been missing for two years. We are definitely looking forward to continuing with our collaboration partnership.