The Sultanate of Oman is poised for significant growth in its small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, thanks to the upcoming launch of the “Tamkeen” initiative by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). Scheduled for December 16th at the Chamber’s headquarters in Muscat, this program represents a crucial step in bolstering the Omani economy and achieving the ambitious goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040. The initiative directly addresses the need to empower Oman SMEs to fully participate in, and benefit from, government procurement opportunities.
Launching Tamkeen: A Boost for Oman SMEs
The “Tamkeen” initiative isn’t a standalone effort; it’s a cornerstone of the OCCI’s broader strategic vision. Developed in close collaboration with key governmental bodies – the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, the Authority for Projects, Tenders and Local Content, and the SMEs Development Authority (Riyada) – it signifies a unified commitment to private sector development. This collaborative approach is designed to ensure the initiative is well-aligned with national objectives and effectively addresses the challenges faced by small businesses in Oman.
The core of Tamkeen will be the delivery of two comprehensive training programs in 2025 and 2026. These programs will be rolled out across the various governorates of Oman, ensuring accessibility for SMEs regardless of their location. The primary focus? Equipping these businesses with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully navigate the government procurement process and secure a portion of the mandated 10% quota reserved for them.
Addressing the Procurement Gap
Currently, while a 10% quota exists for SME participation in government tenders, realizing its full potential has proven difficult. Many SMEs lack the capacity, expertise, or even awareness of the procedures required to compete effectively. Tamkeen aims to bridge this gap by providing targeted training in areas such as:
- Tender preparation and submission
- Contract negotiation and management
- Financial planning and compliance
- Quality control and assurance
By strengthening these capabilities, the initiative hopes to see a significant increase in SME involvement in public projects, fostering economic growth and creating valuable employment opportunities.
OCCI’s Commitment to Private Sector Empowerment
Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of the OCCI, emphasized the initiative’s importance as a demonstration of the Chamber’s dedication to supporting the private sector, particularly SMEs. He highlighted that the next phase of Oman’s economic development requires a more prepared and proactive SME sector, ready to contribute meaningfully to both government and private sector projects.
The Chairman further explained that enabling SMEs to participate effectively in procurement and tendering isn’t just about business growth; it’s about enhancing local content within the Omani economy. By prioritizing Omani businesses, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect, stimulating local supply chains and fostering a more self-reliant economic ecosystem. This, in turn, will generate more business opportunities for young Omanis, contributing to a brighter future for the nation.
Aligning with Oman Vision 2040
The “Tamkeen” initiative is deeply rooted in the overarching framework of Oman Vision 2040. Zakariya bin Abdullah Al Saadi, CEO of the OCCI, explained that the initiative emerged from the Chamber’s strategic development workshop, which identified three key pillars for success: improving the business environment, expanding economic diversification, and strengthening regional economic development.
The Chamber previously launched 14 initiatives in February of this year, all designed to contribute to these strategic goals. Tamkeen builds upon this momentum, specifically targeting the diversification of the Omani economy by fostering the growth of a robust and competitive SME sector.
SMEs: The Engine of Economic Growth
Al Saadi underscored the vital role SMEs play in Oman’s economic landscape. He stated that they are not simply a supporting element, but rather a core driver of development, a breeding ground for innovation, a crucial source of employment for Omani youth, and a key contributor to enhancing local content and strengthening national supply chains. This recognition of SMEs’ multifaceted importance is central to the initiative’s design and implementation. The focus is on creating a sustainable ecosystem where entrepreneurship in Oman can flourish.
Looking Ahead: A Future Driven by SMEs
The launch of “Tamkeen” marks a pivotal moment for the Omani SME sector. By providing targeted training and support, the OCCI, in partnership with key government entities, is laying the foundation for a more dynamic, diversified, and resilient economy. The initiative’s success will not only empower individual businesses but will also contribute significantly to the realization of Oman Vision 2040’s ambitious goals.
This initiative is a clear signal to Omani entrepreneurs: the government is invested in your success. We encourage all eligible SMEs to actively participate in the upcoming training programs and leverage the opportunities that “Tamkeen” provides. Stay updated on the initiative’s progress through the OCCI website and social media channels to ensure you don’t miss out on valuable resources and information. The future of Oman’s economy is being built by its SMEs, and “Tamkeen” is designed to help them build it stronger.
