An upcoming summit is set to spotlight the evolution of Africa’s supply chain landscape, aiming to convene key players from across the continent to reimagine procurement as a powerful engine for regional growth and efficiency.
A recent announcement confirmed that Dr. Clever Ruswa, President of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN), will headline the 7th edition of the Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Summit, slated for July 3–4, 2025, in Lagos.
With the theme, “Driving Impact through Innovation: The Future of Procurement & Supply in Africa,” the high-level conference will assemble procurement professionals, corporate decision-makers, and policymakers to assess next-generation tools and methods capable of revolutionizing the sector.
Dr. Ruswa, who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of Zimbabwe’s Procurement Regulatory Authority (PRAZ), is anticipated to share practical insights aimed at enhancing procurement systems to foster openness, resilience, and economic competitiveness.
He emphasized that the gathering represents a
“critical stage for elevating procurement standards,”
and that his address will demonstrate how inventive strategies and proven techniques can
“bolster transparency, bring sustainable growth, and unleash Africa’s economic promise.”
As the leader of APPN—a coalition of public procurement agencies from 46 African nations—Ruswa has championed initiatives to align local procurement frameworks with global benchmarks while considering Africa’s unique operational context.
Organizers also noted that Ruswa’s tenure at PRAZ has been marked by significant institutional reforms designed to improve integrity and equity in public contracting processes.
His career includes leadership roles in finance, infrastructure, and governance. Ruswa previously held senior positions such as Group CEO of Mike Appel Organisation, COO at Zimbabwe’s Infrastructure Development Bank, GM at ZB Financial Holdings, and Head of Operations at Interfin Bank.
The conference will also welcome influential voices from leading organizations, including MTN, Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority, Volta River Authority, and Flour Mills of Nigeria, who will contribute to discussions on modernizing procurement.
According to summit coordinators, the event is expected to offer a vital forum for sharing strategies, fostering collaboration, and addressing pressing issues in supply chain and procurement management across the African continent.
