The 7th Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Summit, slated for July 3rd and 4th, 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria, aims to revolutionize Africa’s procurement landscape, transforming it into a dynamic engine for economic development. Under the theme “Driving Impact through Innovation: The Future of Procurement & Supply in Africa,” the summit will convene a diverse assembly of supply chain experts, industry leaders, regulators, and policymakers to explore innovative solutions and best practices for enhancing procurement processes across the continent. This high-profile event underscores the growing recognition of procurement’s pivotal role in driving sustainable growth, fostering transparency, and unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential.
Dr. Clever Ruswa, President of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN) and Chief Executive Officer of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), will deliver the keynote address. His leadership in both roles positions him as a key figure in driving procurement reforms across the continent. Dr. Ruswa is expected to outline actionable strategies for strengthening procurement governance, emphasizing the importance of transparency, sustainability, and competitiveness. He views the summit as a crucial opportunity to elevate procurement standards across Africa, advocating for the adoption of innovative approaches and global best practices to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in public procurement.
The APPN, representing public procurement bodies from 46 African countries, has been instrumental in pushing for procurement reforms tailored to Africa’s specific economic context. Dr. Ruswa’s leadership within the APPN has focused on harmonizing procurement practices with international standards while acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities present within the African economic landscape. At PRAZ, he has spearheaded regulatory reforms aimed at promoting fairness, accountability, and integrity in Zimbabwe’s public procurement processes. His extensive experience in finance, infrastructure, and regulatory leadership, gained through previous roles at organizations like Mike Appel Organisation, Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe, ZB Financial Holdings, and Interfin Bank, provides a robust foundation for his contributions to the summit’s agenda.
The summit’s program will feature contributions from prominent organizations across various sectors, showcasing diverse perspectives on procurement and supply chain management. Participants such as MTN, a leading telecommunications company, Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority, Volta River Authority, a major power producer, and Flour Mills of Nigeria Limited, a prominent food and agro-allied company, will share their insights and experiences, offering valuable case studies and practical examples of successful procurement strategies. These contributions will enrich the discussions and provide attendees with tangible takeaways for implementation within their own organizations.
The summit is designed to serve as a dynamic platform for benchmarking strategies, exchanging ideas, and addressing emerging challenges in the procurement and supply chain field. Participants will have the opportunity to network with peers, learn from industry experts, and gain access to cutting-edge knowledge and tools. The event will facilitate collaborative dialogue and knowledge sharing, fostering a community of practice dedicated to advancing procurement practices in Africa. By bringing together key stakeholders from across the continent, the summit aims to create a synergistic environment that promotes innovation, collaboration, and the development of effective solutions for the future of procurement in Africa.
This gathering of procurement professionals, industry leaders, and regulators represents a critical step towards transforming procurement into a more strategic and impactful function within African economies. By exploring innovative approaches, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration, the summit aims to unlock the full potential of procurement as a driver of sustainable development, economic growth, and improved service delivery across the continent. The outcomes and recommendations emerging from the summit are expected to shape the future of procurement in Africa, contributing to the continent’s broader economic transformation and progress.
