AS the war in Ukraine rages on, inflation spikes, energy, and fuel costs rise, and new supply chain disruptions overshadow post-pandemic marketplace recovery, the strategic function of procurement in mitigating the impact of these challenges has become greatly valued, the report indicates.

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Procurement Salary Guide 2022 for Sub-Saharan Africa paints a clear picture of just how valuable procurement and supply professionals have become to organisations on an increasingly volatile and uncertain world.

They will become even more significant as Lesotho’s new Prime Minister Sam Matekane seeks to turn around the country’s fortunes following an extended period of political volatility.

Matekane is determined to move away from a growth model dependent mainly on the public sector to one that is driven by a private sector that is “export-oriented”.

As an example of how Lesotho can benefit from prevailing global conditions, Gem Diamonds in September stated that sanctions imposed on Russia diamond group Alrosa meant there was a shortage of rough diamonds in the market, and that Gem’s flagship Letšeng Diamond Mine has seen increased demand.

Meeting this demand amid instability has highlighted the importance of procurement, and the CIPS Procurement Salary Guide 2022: Sub-Saharan Africa shows just how vital supply and procurement professionals have become to countries in the territory.

Notably, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the appreciation of procurement and supply chain management professionals' role is increasingly reflected in their salaries, one of the factors monitoring how much the profession is valued in the country.

This year, 49 percent of respondents received a pay rise in the past 12 months - an increase on last year’s 40 percent while 69 percent received a bonus in the past 12 months.

The average annual salary for all procurement and supply professionals in the region is now $43 703, up from $34 677 in 2021.

At the top end of the scale, advanced professionals earn up to $82 964 a year.

Dr Sara Bux, Managing Director of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) for Southern Africa, shared that 81 percent of those surveyed for the 2022 Procurement Salary Guide in the Sub-Saharan regions believe the perception of procurement has improved in the past year, with 79 percent saying they feel valued within their organisation while being engaged from the time a project starts.

Despite a challenging economic environment, such buoyancy and resilience in salaries are encouraging and reflect the increasing status and value of the procurement function.

Bux also points out that 82 percent of respondents feel that directors and heads of departments understand the value procurement brings to their organisations, both at a strategic and talent level.

The positive sentiment in the sector means there has never been a more opportune time for procurement professionals to grow and flourish.

“The light the pandemic has shown on the strategic importance of procurement has also highlighted the skills needed to thrive in the role and drive further value.