Drawing on cutting-edge technologies including chatbots, artificial intelligence, robotic process automation and natural language processing, MTN procurement’s digitalization initiatives have helped position the function as a vital strategic partner to the wider business. The company’s Gessica digital assistant has slashed cycle times by 80%, while its game theory-driven Decision Support Application has proved invaluable in analysing bids and supporting negotiations on tenders worth more than $1bn. Judges were impressed by the sophistication of MTN’s technology and the value it was able to deliver.