European business intelligence consultancy and procurement specialist Xoomworks has taken its first steps into the African market with the creation of Xoomworks South Africa.

The niche consulting and outsourcing company, which has offices in London and Romania, has announced a comprehensive strategic partnership with Gauteng-based The Supply Chain Partnership to encompass all procurement transformation services: consulting, outsourcing and systems implementation. The Supply Chain Partnership is an end-to-end supply chain specialist company combining local market knowledge with global expertise. As well as executive consulting, the Supply Chain Partnership assists clients in implementing the most appropriate procurement, sourcing and enterprise platforms including Ariba, SAP, Coupa and iasta.

Head of Procurement Consulting of Xoomworks, Ian Dagg, said the new Xoomworks South Africa office would assist companies in the emerging market to achieve sustainable and valuable procurement solutions. “When our customers choose Xoomworks they all have one thing in common - a strong desire for change,” he said. “Xoomworks and The Supply Chain Partnership believe it’s important that our two companies work collaboratively in creating lasting procurement change in Africa. We look forward to working with The Supply Chain Partnership, integrating our frameworks with their on-the-ground experience.”

Chimae Goncalves, Director of Strategy for The Supply Chain Partnership, added: “Acquiring, developing and retaining skilled supply chain talent continues to be a major challenge within the African market, so a niche consultancy can deliver real value. Xoomworks and The Supply Chain Partnership agree that Africa has great potential for transformation in terms of procurement, business process optimisation, outsourcing and IT-enabled services.”