ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY
demonstrated such longevity in the IT industry . We believe in being crystal clear to our channel partners and that ’ s a key element that has led to our many successes in the market . My attitude to partnerships is guided by a belief that I shouldn ’ t make money at the expense of the channel partner . If ASBIS makes money and is profitable , the partner too should make money and be profitable . This is very important to us and is reflected in all our engagements with channel partners . our own predictions for the market and the expectations from them . On the partner front , we are preparing them to face any challenges that may come together with us .
What channel initiatives and schemes are you lining up together with your vendor partners this year ?
We are planning to rollout ambitious channel schemes that will be announced during the course of the year . Right now , we are still mapping out details and studying these initiatives so that they benefit our entire partner ecosystem for them to grow and competently support their customers with the solutions and technologies from ASBIS .
One of ASBIS ’ strengths is assisting channel partners to develop in country business opportunities and markets . Which countries have performed extremely well for the company in 2021 and why ?
One of ASBIS ’ key strength has been its philosophy of putting transparency at the forefront of everything we do with channel partners and vendors . We pride ourselves as one of the most transparent distributors in the region and this one trait has helped the company to stay focused all these years that it has been operating in the MEA channel . Without solid vendor partnerships that are built on trust and transparency , we wouldn ’ t have
We want to be a leading IT distributor with added value and in doing so we want to grow our business because we firmly believe that when we grow our partners also grow
What ’ s the channel outlook for 2022 and why should channel partners be upbeat and continue to work with ASBIS ?
For ASBIS , the channel outlook for 2022 and beyond is bright . We are optimistic that the foundation work we have done to consolidate our business even when the whole region and world was experiencing business disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has positioned us in good stead . That said , growing our business and partner footprint in Africa is a key focus for us this year . We will be looking to work with a new breed of solution providers on the African continent as opportunities continue to open up and expand . We have already established solid partnerships in some countries on the continent . What we intend doing is take this to another level and enhance alliances with channel partners and vendors to focus on in-country market and business development initiatives to target key verticals like government , education , banking and financial services , SMEs , FinTechs and the general start-up businesses on the continent . We are looking to engage with channel partners that share the same ambitions and goals with us for Africa . This year , we will be paying so much attention to developing our Africa business beyond the traditional strong hold markets where we have been doing business for a long time . I believe this and the many other initiatives will be our competitive edge . •
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS Issue 49 23