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Local manufacturers can now access African markets easily through a platform that drives feedback through the entire value chain from consumers to them. 

The move follows the signing of a partnership deal between Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and Ajua, Africa’s first Integrated Customer Experience Company to drive the uptake of Kenyan made goods  through the latter’s SME Connect digital platform

KAM Chief Executive Phylis Wakiaga said the platform will create demand for locally manufactured products, a challenge 42 per cent 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 during the signing ceremy yesterday.

Wakiaga  said market dynamics are shifting as consumers embrace digital platforms to access essentials in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

Digital platforms

“This partnership will therefore promote the uptake of digital platforms by manufacturers to enable them to gain access to local markets and new customers while reinventing their business models to align with changing technologies,” said Wakiaga.

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.