Scheduled from November 12 to 14, 2024, the assembly will be held under the theme 'Enhancing Sustainable Public Procurement for Africa's Economic Resilience and is set to define procurement reform as a cornerstone of economic resilience.
It brings together experts, policymakers, and practitioners committed to fostering a new era in Africa's public procurement.
The APPN, established in 2018, has emerged as a platform for advancing procurement practices that are both sustainable and transparent. Public procurement accounts for nearly 17% of Africa's GDP, making efficient and ethical procurement essential to sustainable development.
Joyeuse Uwingeneye, Director General of the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA), explained Rwanda's achievements ahead of the event, underscoring the country's commitment to high standards in procurement.
'The Rwanda Public Procurement Authority was created to separate regulatory oversight from the awarding of tenders, empowering institutions to manage their procurement processes while RPPA focuses on compliance and capacity-building,' she said.
This distinction is crucial, she noted, for fostering transparency and accountability in public procurement, positioning Rwanda as a benchmark for best practices in the region.
Rwanda's journey in procurement reform includes the successful launch of the Umucyo e-procurement system in 2016, a digital platform that has redefined efficiency and compliance in government procurement.
'Our digital infrastructure has allowed us to revise and strengthen our legal frameworks continuously. With the recent rollout of a new procurement policy in 2024 and the upcoming implementation of the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS), we will allow public access to data on awarded tenders, financial allocations, and execution timelines, giving citizens direct insight into how funds are allocated and spent,' Uwingeneye said.
The adoption of OCDS, a major highlight of the assembly, demonstrates Rwanda's leadership in procurement transparency, marking an unprecedented step toward public accountability.
The assembly will also celebrate the launch of Rwanda's Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) Policy Framework, developed with support from APPN. This framework integrates one of Africa's first Open Contracting Data Standards for e-Government procurement, positioning Rwanda as a leader in procurement modernization.
On his part, Alassane BA, The Vice Chairperson of the APPN explained that adopting practices that promote transparency, efficiency, and reduced reliance on imports, African nations can drive self-sufficiency and bolster local economies.
He said that Rwanda, as host, stands out as a model of procurement reform and digital innovation, showcasing a blueprint for countries seeking to enhance governance through sustainable procurement.
'Transparency on this scale is rare and challenging to achieve, but it's essential to building trust and accountability. The public can now view government spending details and question how these procurements benefit society. This open data approach will set a new standard for procurement accountability across the continent,' he said.
APPN's Technical Secretary, Aftar Toure Morou, emphasized the assembly's importance, framing it as 'not merely an event, but a call to action.' He praised Rwanda's achievements in advancing professional standards and transparency, highlighting that the assembly encourages African leaders to rethink procurement policies that align with sustainable growth, resilience, and economic inclusivity.
'This assembly urges leaders across Africa to reshape procurement policies that support our continent's shared goals of economic stability, environmental sustainability, and inclusive prosperity,' he stated.
Throughout the assembly, participants will engage in collaborative sessions exploring topics such as eco-friendly procurement, ethical sourcing, digital innovations for transparency, and building resilient local supply chains.
These discussions will directly inform APPN's 2025 agenda, creating a roadmap for advancing procurement practices across Africa.
By addressing core issues such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and digital frameworks, attendees will explore how sustainable procurement can support climate action, economic resilience, and sustainable growth.
Global support for the assembly highlights its significance on the international stage, with sponsorship from institutions such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and Agence Française de Développe ment.
As Rwanda hosts this prestigious gathering, the nation's accomplishments in procurement reform take center stage, inspiring other African countries to pursue transparent, sustainable, and efficient public procurement.
Sam K Nkurunziza
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/africa-s-new-era-of-sustainable-and-transparent-procurement
