Tamkeen Initiative Empowers SMEs to Tap into Lucrative Public Tender Opportunities in Oman
Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry Launches "Tamkeen" Initiative to Boost SME Competitiveness in Government Procurement
Muscat, December 16 – The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) has introduced the “Tamkeen” initiative, a nationwide programme aimed at equipping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to compete more effectively for government tenders and procurement contracts. The launch took place at the Chamber’s headquarters in Muscat on December 16, in collaboration with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, and the SMEs Development Authority (Riyada).
The event was attended by Shaikh Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI; Eng Badr bin Salim al Maamari, Chairman of the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority; members of the OCCI board; and various business owners.
The Tamkeen initiative stems from OCCI’s strategic directions workshop and supports three main pillars: enhancing the business environment, fostering economic diversification, and strengthening partnerships to drive development across Oman’s governorates. Throughout 2025 and 2026, the programme will deliver two rounds of structured training nationwide, focused on enabling SMEs to maximize their allocated 10% share of government procurement and tender opportunities.
Al Rawas described the initiative as a significant advancement in empowering the private sector and improving SME preparedness amid a competitive business landscape. He emphasized the critical role of SME involvement in government projects for sustainable economic growth, viewing capacity-building as a vital investment in the national economy. The training will address practical challenges faced by SMEs in the tender market, providing participants with essential skills and best practices to enhance the quality and competitiveness of their bids. Al Rawas also praised the collaboration between the Chamber and government agencies as a robust example of public-private partnership, promoting transparency, broader access to government contracts, and stronger local content in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 goals.
Eng Badr bin Salim al Maamari highlighted Tamkeen as an effective example of institutional integration that enhances SME competitiveness within the government procurement framework. He explained the Authority’s role in guiding national enterprises on tender mechanisms, registration and classification processes, and bid preparation standards to ensure fair competition and transparency.
OCCI Chief Executive Officer Zakariya bin Abdullah al Saadi stated that Tamkeen is one of the Chamber’s most significant qualitative initiatives in 2024, supporting its strategic objectives. He noted that SMEs are key drivers of innovation, development, and employment, and that boosting their readiness will empower them to confidently engage in major national projects and supply chains.
During the launch, Ghazi bin Said al Hamar, Officer in Charge of Implementing the Tamkeen Initiative, outlined the programme’s goals and expected outcomes, including higher bid success rates, increased local content, broader SME involvement in government projects, and strengthened entrepreneurial capabilities.
The event also featured a presentation on the “Esnad” platform, Oman’s national electronic system for managing government tenders. Officials reported that over 5,000 SMEs are already registered on Esnad, which facilitates transparency and allocates procurement opportunities to SMEs, including tenders valued up to RO 25,000.
The first Tamkeen training session commenced on December 16 in Muscat and will continue across all governorates until early January, covering essential topics such as bid preparation and registration and classification on the Esnad platform.
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The launch of the “Tamkeen” initiative marks a significant advancement for Omani SMEs, enabling them to capitalize on the government’s 10% procurement allocation. For businesses, this means greater access to public sector opportunities and enhanced competitive capacity, while investors should watch for emerging SMEs that benefit from targeted training and support, potentially driving innovation and diversification aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Smart entrepreneurs must now focus on building tendering expertise and leveraging digital platforms like Esnad to secure a foothold in government projects.
