The African Public Procurement Network (APPN) is hosting its highly anticipated Fourth General Assembly (FGA) in Kigali from November 12-14, 2024. This year’s assembly will serve as a continental milestone, fostering resilient, sustainable public procurement systems that drive economic stability and growth.
Under the theme “Enhancing Sustainable Public Procurement for Africa’s Economic Resilience,” the assembly will gather leaders from over 54 African nations, international experts, and multilateral organizations to address pressing procurement and economic challenges across the continent.
With public procurement accounting for 17% of the continent’s GDP, African economies face an urgent call to reform procurement practices for long-term sustainability and economic self-sufficiency. Hosted by the Government of Rwanda at the Kigali Convention Center, this year’s assembly will focus on actionable strategies to reduce import dependency, strengthen local supply chains, champion green procurement, and leverage advanced technologies.
“The APPN’s Fourth General Assembly is not just an event; it’s a call to action for Africa’s leaders to rethink and reshape procurement policies that align with our collective goals of economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth,” said APPN Chair Ms. Joyeuse Uwingeneye, Director General of the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority. “Our discussions here in Kigali will chart a path for procurement systems that support Africa’s aspirations in the global economy.”
Key Highlights of the FGA:
- Building Local Economies: Panels will explore strategies to reduce import dependency and build strong local supply chains that can withstand global disruptions, supporting robust African economies.
- Green and Ethical Procurement: This event will drive forward procurement practices prioritizing eco-friendly and ethically sourced goods and services, featuring insights from global sustainability leaders.
- Technology for Transparency and Efficiency: The program includes sessions on using AI and data analytics to elevate procurement transparency, track sustainability, and improve decision-making.
A major highlight will be the launch of Rwanda’s Sustainable Public Procurement Policy Framework, developed with APPN’s support, which will establish one of Africa’s first Open Contracting Data Standards for transparent e-Government procurement (E-GP). This pioneering policy places Rwanda at the forefront of procurement modernization, providing a model for other nations.
Comprehensive Support from Global Partners
The FGA is co-sponsored by key international financial and development institutions, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and Agence Française de Développement. Their support reflects the global community’s recognition of Africa’s role in sustainable development and economic resilience. In addition, notable African Union delegates and representatives from African regional organizations will contribute to fostering inclusive dialogue and collaboration.
“With Africa’s rapid growth, sustainable procurement is indispensable for our continent’s long-term prosperity,” said Mr. Kouami Hounsinou Messan, Senior Procurement Specialist at the World Bank. “We are committed to supporting APPN’s mission to enhance procurement policies that empower economies, protect resources, and benefit future generations.”
Shaping the Future of Procurement in Africa
Throughout the assembly, attendees will participate in collaborative learning and working groups on topics such as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in procurement, sectoral innovation, and the adoption of digital procurement frameworks. These sessions will culminate in actionable recommendations, shaping APPN’s 2025 agenda and creating a forward-looking roadmap to strengthen procurement frameworks across Africa.
