Building Resilient Enterprises for Global Supply Chain Integration by Peter Kiprono

Global supply chains are evolving rapidly, demanding higher levels of consistency, traceability, and operational excellence from enterprises across emerging markets. The Global Supply Chain Support Fund (GSCSF), managed by Aavishkaar Capital, was established to help businesses across Africa and Asia meet these requirements by providing catalytic capital and targeted technical assistance. Through its investments, the Fund strengthens enterprises’ ability to integrate into international value chains, build long-term resilience, and create inclusive economic impact.

Building Strong Supplier and Buyer Relationships

GSCSF recognizes that resilience in supply chain integration extends beyond infrastructure, as it heavily relies on strong relationships with suppliers and buyers. The Fund’s USD 3 million working capital investment in Horizon Max, a spice trading and processing company operating across Nigeria, Madagascar, and Tanzania, exemplifies this. The financing has enabled Horizon to source more from farmers and cooperatives, creating consistent and reliable supply linkages. This model not only guarantees a steady income for farmers but also strengthens their commitment to supply to Horizon Max. 

By sourcing directly from farmers, Horizon not only ensures traceability but also meets the organic certification standards required by its buyers across Europe, Asia, and the United States. Moreover, Horizon’s dependable access to raw materials has allowed it to meet growing order volumes, deepen relationships with their customers, and negotiate favourable terms, such as exclusivity, pricing, and efficient payment arrangements. These dynamics make Horizon more robust in its operations and position it as a reputable partner in the global spice market

Strengthening Operational Capacity

A core focus of GSCSF is enhancing the operational capacity of portfolio companies. By providing capital, the Fund enables enterprises to expand production, upgrade equipment, and align with the quality and volume standards required by global buyers.

For instance, GSCSF’s investment in Privamnuts EPZ, a leading macadamia processor based in Embu, Kenya, is helping the company set up an effluent treatment facility  to double its processing capacity from 7,000 MT to 14,000 MT annually. This expansion positions Privamnuts among Kenya’s top exporters, enabling the company to meet contracted customer demand while strengthening supply relationships with local farmers.

Enhancing Governance and Systems through Technical Assistance

Beyond capital, GSCSF operates a Technical Assistance (TA) Facility designed to strengthen the robustness and global competitiveness of its portfolio companies. Through this facility, the Fund provides targeted support to improve governance, financial systems, and management structures, essential foundations for global supply chain participation.
For Privamnuts, GSCSF engaged a consultant to restructure the finance team and support SAP integration. This digital upgrade allows seamless communication between departments and partners, ensures real-time access to operational data, and improves coordination with international customers. Such systems are critical for meeting the transparency, efficiency, and reporting standards expected in global trade.

Similarly, for Balaji, a clothing and apparel company, the TA facility supported the engagement of a governance consultant to strengthen organizational structure and decision-making processes. Robust governance enhances investor confidence and aligns Balaji with the compliance and accountability frameworks necessary for integration into international apparel supply chains.

Creating Resilience for the Long Term

Through its dual approach, combining catalytic capital with tailored technical assistance, GSCSF enables enterprises to move beyond short-term growth toward long-term resilience. The Fund’s model helps companies improve operational efficiency, secure reliable supplier and buyer networks, and adopt governance systems that align with global standards. These interventions create enterprises that can not only compete effectively but also sustain their participation in global supply chains, even amidst market volatility or external shocks.