United by Vision, Diverse in Approach: APPN Assembly Forges a Common Path for Africa’s Procurement Future

The Fifth General Assembly of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN) culminated in a powerful display of continental unity and targeted strategy, as delegates from across the continent converged to shape the future of public spending. In a series of dynamic breakout sessions organized by linguistic groups, a clear and cohesive vision emerged, positioning transparent and efficient procurement as a cornerstone for achieving Africa’s ambitious Agenda 2063.

While the end goal was shared, the pathways highlighted by the English, French, and Portuguese-speaking delegations reflected their unique regional contexts and priorities, creating a rich tapestry of insights for a continental procurement strategy.

English-Speaking Bloc: Championing Digital Leap and Professional Standards

Delegates from English-speaking Africa placed a strong emphasis on the transformative power of technology. The session was dominated by calls for the accelerated adoption of e-Government Procurement (eGP) systems to enhance transparency, curb corruption, and streamline processes. Alongside digital transformation, the professionalisation of the procurement workforce was identified as a critical pillar. A key proposal that gained significant traction was the establishment of an African School of Procurement, envisioned as a pan-African institution to standardize training, certify professionals, and elevate procurement to a strategic function.

French-Speaking Bloc: Prioritizing Robust Governance and Partnerships

The French-speaking contingent focused on the foundational elements of sound governance and effective collaboration. Their discussions underscored the need for stronger regulatory oversight and institutional frameworks to ensure accountability. A significant part of the dialogue was dedicated to improving alignment with development partners and donors to maximize the impact of public funds. Furthermore, the group highlighted the importance of creating clear and effective frameworks for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), recognizing their potential to bridge infrastructure gaps and drive sustainable development.

Portuguese-Speaking Bloc: Advocating for Harmonization and Regional Unity

The Portuguese-speaking nations brought a strong focus on legal and regional coherence. Delegates called for the harmonisation of procurement laws and practices to facilitate cross-border trade and investment within Africa. This push for regional integration was seen as essential for creating larger, more attractive markets and fostering continental economic resilience. Underpinning this was a resounding call for a unified continental procurement strategy that would provide a common direction while allowing for regional nuances.

A Converging Vision for a Prosperous Africa

Despite the diverse focal points, the breakout sessions revealed a powerful, converging vision for the future of African public procurement. Three pillars stood out as non-negotiable across all groups:

1. Collaboration: Fostering stronger partnerships between nations, regions, and the public and private sectors.
2. Digitalisation: Leveraging technology as the primary enabler for transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity.
3. Professionalisation: Building a skilled, ethical, and strategic procurement workforce across the continent.

The energy and consensus at the Fifth APPN General Assembly signal a new chapter for public procurement in Africa. By uniting around these core pillars, African nations are proactively building a procurement ecosystem that is not just a administrative function, but a powerful engine for growth, good governance, and the realization of the “Africa We Want” as outlined in Agenda 2063.