EGA joins Khalifa Fund programme to boost SME procurement opportunities

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) joined the Abu Dhabi SME Champions Programme on Thursday, 29 October, opening its supply chain to over 2,800 small and medium-sized enterprises registered with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development. The industrial major already allocates approximately AED8 billion annually to UAE-based suppliers, representing more than 40 percent of its total procurement spend. By joining this initiative, EGA intends to increase this local expenditure by providing qualified SMEs with direct access to compete for corporate contracts. Strengthening Local Supply Chains The Abu Dhabi SME Champions Programme serves as a bridge between national industrial giants and smaller businesses. Under the agreement, EGA will gain visibility into the Khalifa Fund’s database of verified local firms, while SMEs will receive guidance on meeting the technical and commercial requirements of the aluminium sector. Abdulnasser bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, stated that the partnership aims to create new opportunities for local companies to compete for contracts, which he noted would build a more resilient supply chain for the producer. Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said the inclusion of EGA marks an important step in expanding national SMEs’ access to major corporate procurement contracts, which supports their operational capabilities and long-term growth. Economic Impact of SMEs SMEs are a critical component of the UAE’s…