The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) is proud to announce its role as the host of the 5th General Assembly (FiGA) of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN), taking place from November 11 to 14, 2025 in the stunning setting of Victoria Falls. This landmark gathering represents a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe and the African continent in advancing transparent, efficient, and sustainable public procurement systems.
A Testament to Leadership
As the current President of the APPN, Zimbabwe’s hosting of this prestigious event highlights its leadership in driving procurement reforms and spearheading digital transformation through the Electronic Government Procurement (eGP) system. This Assembly will convene senior government officials, procurement regulators, development partners, and technical experts from across Africa, all united to discuss strategies for strengthening procurement frameworks, enhancing institutional capacity, and promoting integrity and accountability in public procurement.
The Economic Significance of Procurement
Public procurement is a cornerstone of economic development, accounting for approximately 17% of GDP across African nations. Recognising its critical role, 43 African countries established the APPN in Lomé, Togo, in 2018 as a collaborative platform for peer learning and regional cooperation among policymakers and regulators. Organized into five regional clusters—North, East, West, Central, and Southern Africa—the APPN operates under a governance structure comprising a General Assembly, Executive Committee, and Technical Secretariat.
A Transformative Theme
The theme of the Fifth General Assembly, “Transforming Public Procurement in Africa through Innovation, Inclusion, Sustainability, and Regional Collaboration,” aims to accelerate the APPN’s mission to revolutionise procurement across the continent. This theme emphasizes the urgent need for public procurement systems that leverage technology and innovation, promote the inclusion of women, youth, and small enterprises, and integrate sustainability into public spending.
By harnessing digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics, public procurement can drive transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Inclusion ensures equitable access to procurement opportunities, while sustainability aligns public spending with crucial climate and social development goals. Furthermore, regional collaboration fosters knowledge sharing and harmonization of procurement frameworks, advancing Africa’s integration agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Collaborative Coordination
The Government of Zimbabwe, alongside the APPN Technical Secretariat and development partners—including the African Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)—will coordinate this significant event. The Assembly will feature high-level sessions, expert presentations, breakout discussions, and deliberations on governance and strategic matters, including the election of new APPN leadership.
Expected Outcomes
The Fifth General Assembly is poised to produce tangible outcomes, including strengthened regional collaboration, enhanced knowledge sharing on innovative procurement practices, and the adoption of an updated regional action plan and governance framework to guide the network’s next phase of growth. Through its leadership in the APPN and ongoing investment in digital transformation, Zimbabwe reaffirms its commitment to building resilient, efficient, and inclusive procurement systems that drive sustainable development.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Clever Ruswa, APPN President and CEO of PRAZ, expressed optimism about the upcoming Assembly, stating, “Zimbabwe is honored to welcome Africa’s procurement leaders to share experiences, explore innovations, and chart a unified path toward sustainable procurement excellence.”
Join us in this exciting journey as we transform public procurement in Africa!