Level Up Your Business

Play to Win in the Supply Game

About the

Smart Supplier Conference

The Absa Smart Supplier Conference is a premier event co-located at Smart Procurement World.

The event prepares suppliers for business by furnishing them with technical support, whilst creating access to the market through buyer-meet-seller platforms.

SMMEs in South Africa still struggle to access markets and get sustainable contracts. At this conference, senior buyers talk them through the various processes that are essential to access their markets.

This conference aims to boost supplier performance, thereby preparing the corporate ready supplier to become a #SMARTSUPPLIER.

SMART SUPPLIER CONFERENCE Programme

Play to Win

Unlocking Growth and Opportunities for Your Business

09h00

Registration & Networking

10h00

Welcome from MC

10h05

Key Note Address

10h10

How Absa’s ESD Programmes are Fueling Small Business Growth

A deep dive into how Absa’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programmes are transforming businesses and opening doors for suppliers.

10h35

Future-Proofing Your Business: Why Sustainability and Technology are Game-Changers

Essential insights on how sustainability practices and technology adoption are becoming non-negotiable requirements for modern suppliers.

10h55

Panel Discussion: Thriving Against the Odds – SMME Success Stories

Real stories from suppliers who’ve successfully navigated challenges, featuring both emerging and established businesses sharing practical insights.

11h50

Master Strategies for SMME Growth through Tenders and Contracts

Comprehensive guide to identifying, bidding for, and winning tenders and contracts. Includes tips for both first-time bidders and experienced suppliers looking to scale.

12h30

LUNCH & NETWORKING

13h30

Play Together: Building Your Supplier Network for Mutual Growth

Interactive networking workshop designed to create lasting business connections:

Structured networking activities to connect ED and SD suppliers
Identifying collaboration and partnership opportunities
Building a support network for ongoing business development
Action planning: Setting goals and next steps for business growth

14h00

SUPPLIER MATCHUP SESSIONS

17h00

Cocktail

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.