Pay10 Global: Could AI Help with Sustainable Procurement?

As pressures on global supply chains mount, the strategic function of procurement is expanding beyond cost control to include greater responsibility for corporate sustainability and resilience.

In this evolving landscape, artificial intelligence is emerging as a critical tool for organisations seeking to navigate the complexities of ethical and environmentally sound sourcing.

The integration of AI could offer procurement teams the data-driven insights needed to build more transparent and sustainable operations.

The last few years have been marked by major trade disruptions, compelling businesses to enhance their operational resilience. For many, this has involved adopting AI to automate manual processes and gain real-time data insights.

Now, this technology is becoming a cornerstone of modern procurement, offering a pathway to not only efficiency but also improved sustainability performance.

If you are interested in learning more on the future of procurement technology, a panel will be held with leaders during the Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Middle East Summit, which is co-located with Sustainability LIVE: The Middle East Summit, with free tickets available. 

AI-powered efficiency and sustainability

According to McKinsey, procurement departments are now managing 50% more spend than they did five years ago. To handle this increased workload, many are turning to AI.

The implementation of AI agents to automate repetitive tasks could make procurement 25-40% more efficient, freeing up teams to concentrate on strategic initiatives such as improving sustainability metrics. This development is redefining the role of procurement within an organisation.

Samir Khushalani, Partner at McKinsey says: "Procurement is evolving from a transactional role to a strategic source of value. Functions that once focused on cost savings are now shaping enterprise resilience, innovation and long-term growth."

This evolution is crucial, as a resilient enterprise is often a sustainable one, capable of withstanding market shocks and meeting regulatory and consumer demands for greater environmental and social governance.

From strategic source to sustainable enabler

While AI presents significant opportunities, its effectiveness hinges on correct implementation. As OCP highlights, simply adopting AI is not enough.

Organisations must choose the right tools for specific functions and integrate them properly to avoid inefficiency and wasted investment. When applied correctly, AI can analyse supplier data to identify risks, track carbon emissions and ensure compliance with ethical sourcing standards.

Pay10 Global, a fintech company focused on digital transformation, is one of the companies navigating this new terrain. Bogdan Asproiu, Global Head of Procurement at Pay10, has extensive experience in leveraging technology to enhance procurement capabilities.

He is responsible for implementing automation and making data-driven decisions that have seen first-hand the impact of AI on procurement processes.

Bogdan says: “Procurement is no longer just about cost control, it's becoming a strategic driver and business enabler powered by AI. Sharing my point of view in automation and data-led sourcing is a conversation worth having."

Data-led sourcing for greener operations

Bogdan’s focus on automation and data-led sourcing is central to building a procurement function fit for the future. His work involves introducing technologies that provide the deep insights necessary for large-scale transformations.

With a career spanning five Fortune Global 2000 companies across retail, FMCG and fintech, he has gained a deep understanding of how to embed new systems into complex operations.

As a leader, Bogdan is proficient in integrating AI, machine learning and blockchain within supply chain and procurement systems. This expertise is vital as businesses are increasingly judged on their supply chain's sustainability credentials.

By using AI to analyse vast datasets, procurement leaders can make more informed choices that align with their organisation's environmental goals, transforming the procurement function into a key enabler of corporate responsibility.

Sustainability LIVE: The Middle East Summit

With a packed agenda and stand-out speakers, the Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The Middle East Summit, co-located with Sustainability LIVE: The Middle East Summit, stands out for its breadth of coverage – CSOs, CSCOs, CPOs and alike will all take something valuable away with them. 

Whether you are refining supplier networks, developing digital tools or embedding ESG priorities, the event offers direct, practical guidance.

Registration is open through the event agenda page, where attendees can also customise their experience. Plus, there’s no travel needed – just insight streamed straight to your screen.

Sustainability LIVE: The Middle East Summit
Dates: 3–4 February 2026
Format: Virtual
Location: Online
Register for free: https://next.brella.io/join/SPSCDUBAI