Unilever has introduced the Emerge Supplier Acceleration Programme with the objective of incorporating a greater number of diverse suppliers and minority-owned enterprises into its supply chain. This platform serves as an opportunity for individuals to expand their own businesses and make a broader economic impact. Through the Emerge Acceleration Programme, participants gain access to resources such as business skills training, capacity building support, and funding, all aimed at promoting the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the economy.
The Programme represents a strategic collaboration between Unilever and the SME Support Centre, with Unilever committing to an annual investment of nearly Ksh 200 million. This initiative is aimed at promoting a business environment that is inclusive and supportive, particularly for enterprises owned by women, persons with disabilities, and small businesses, with the goal of enhancing their competitiveness and readiness for the market. Furthermore, Unilever is making significant progress towards achieving its target of spending Ksh 0.5 billion on under-represented businesses, the majority of which are SMEs.
“We know socio-cultural, systemic, or economic barriers too often prevent people from realizing economic empowerment. Barriers such as gender or prejudice, gender inequity, lack of access to training and skills, and financial exclusion hamper entrepreneurship and business growth. We want to actively make our supply chain more diverse by reaching out to people and groups that are usually under-represented. At the same time, we are unlocking innovation, agility, and opportunity – within our suppliers’ businesses, and in ours.” says, Luck Ochieng, Managing Director – Unilever Kenya.
Under this partnership, the SME Support Centre will offer acceleration programme that will include technical support around strategy, operations, production capabilities and quality assurance as well as providing linkages to various financial service providers. This will enable small businesses to supply products and services, not only to Unilever but also other similar manufacturing multi-nationals to widen their customer bases and increase their revenue streams.
“We are deeply passionate about developing businesses, and we recognize the need for being proactive in ensuring present and future success. Through the Emerge Supplier Acceleration Programme, we are committed to help businesses build long-term competitiveness and contribute to overall GDP,” said SME Support Centre CEO Linda Onyango.
The collaboration aims at leveraging respective strengths and expertise from both partners to deliver relevant insights through trainings on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, e-commerce, business mentorship and coaching. The initiative will ensure that Unilever works with more diverse suppliers rather than increasing the number of our suppliers.
“Diverse supply chains are critical to the country’s economic vitality, and we firmly believe that supporting entrepreneurship through small businesses will make them market-ready to expand their business opportunities and growth,” adds Mr. Ochieng.