Lagos, Nigeria, is set to become the focal point of the continent’s procurement and supply chain transformation as it hosts the 7th Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Summit on July 3–4, 2025. The high-level event will convene public and private sector leaders, regulators, innovators, and development partners from across Africa to reimagine the future of procurement and supply chain systems in a rapidly changing global economy.
Under the theme “Driving Impact through Innovation: The Future of Procurement & Supply in Africa,” the summit aims to tackle long-standing challenges in public procurement, promote sustainable supply chain practices, and showcase cutting-edge solutions that can accelerate economic development and improve service delivery across the continent.
At the heart of the summit is a collective commitment to building resilient, transparent, and inclusive procurement ecosystems that reflect Africa’s growing economic ambitions and diverse local contexts.
The summit will be headlined by Dr. Clever Ruswa, President of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN) and Chief Executive Officer of Zimbabwe’s Procurement Regulatory Authority (PRAZ). A recognised thought leader in procurement governance, Dr. Ruswa is expected to deliver a keynote address offering strategic insights into the evolving landscape of public procurement, including the role of innovation in driving institutional reforms, improving efficiency, and curbing corruption.
He emphasised that the summit “presents a critical platform for elevating procurement standards” and will be used to promote actionable frameworks that integrate innovation, digital transformation, and accountability. “By bolstering transparency and operational efficiency, we not only promote good governance but also create the foundation for sustainable growth and economic resilience,” he said.
The APPN, which Dr. Ruswa leads, is a continent-wide network encompassing procurement agencies from 46 African countries. Under his stewardship, the network has led advocacy efforts to harmonise procurement practices with international standards, while also addressing Africa’s unique developmental and institutional needs.
The summit will build on these efforts by offering a space for peer learning and policy dialogue, enabling African countries to share reform journeys, explore collaborative frameworks, and accelerate the adoption of integrated supply chain technologies.
Dr. Ruswa brings an extensive background in finance, infrastructure, and regulatory oversight. He has served in top executive positions, including as Group CEO of Mike Appel Organisation, COO of the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe, GM at ZB Financial Holdings, and Head of Operations at Interfin Bank.
This year’s summit will also see strong participation from major private sector players and parastatals who are driving innovation in procurement and logistics. Confirmed contributors include MTN, Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority, the Volta River Authority, and Flour Mills of Nigeria Limited, among others.
Their involvement underscores the critical role of private sector leadership and public-private partnerships in reforming Africa’s procurement environment. Panel discussions and breakout sessions will focus on real-world applications of procurement technology, supplier development, supply chain financing, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance in procurement processes.
Organisers describe the summit as a strategic platform for benchmarking, knowledge exchange, and solution design, where stakeholders can respond collaboratively to emerging global and regional challenges, from supply chain disruptions and inflation to regulatory reform and climate-smart procurement practices.
Workshops, case study presentations, and networking sessions will provide attendees with actionable insights into digital procurement platforms, data analytics, contract management systems, risk mitigation strategies, and capacity building for procurement professionals.
The 2025 edition comes at a pivotal time for Africa, as countries seek to localize supply chains, enhance infrastructure, and improve service delivery in line with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union Agenda 2063. By building procurement systems that are transparent, innovative, and responsive, the continent can unlock billions in value, reduce inefficiencies, and foster inclusive economic development.
The summit also aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable public procurement and transparent governance, which are integral to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).