APPN Assembly: Experts Promote Sustainable Public Procurement for Eco-Friendly Innovation

Participants at the 4th General Assembly of APPN in Kigali.

Africa stands to gain significantly from implementing sustainable public procurement (SPP), prioritizing eco-friendly products such as electric vehicles and low-emission supply chains. This strategy can drive innovation in green goods and services while advancing the continent's economic resilience and sustainability goals.

Event Highlights

The 4th General Assembly of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN), held from November 12-14 at the Kigali Convention Centre, focused on the theme:

“Enhancing Sustainable Public Procurement for Africa's Economic Resilience.”

Experts emphasized that SPP enables governments to address environmental challenges while fostering long-term economic growth. Discussions highlighted the role of SPP in:

• Promoting cleaner transport systems.
• Supporting energy-efficient housing.
• Developing climate-resilient infrastructure.

Rwanda’s Minister of State in charge of National Treasury, Richard Tusabe, said:

“This gathering underscores our commitment to transforming public procurement into a catalyst for resilience, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.”

Richard Tusabe delivering remarks at the APPN Assembly.

Public Procurement and Economic Growth

Minister Tusabe stressed the critical role of public-private partnerships in achieving shared, sustainable socio-economic development. He said:

“Public procurement influences job creation, innovation, and sustainable industrialization. Adopting green procurement practices will help protect ecosystems and address climate challenges.”

Key Resolutions

The Assembly resolved to:

• Approve the 2025-2027 Action Plan for staffing and equipping the APPN Technical Secretariat.
• Endorse a Manual of Accounting and Finance to standardize financial management.
• Promote the adoption of Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) for transparency in public procurement.

Rwanda's Leadership in SPP

Rwanda launched its Sustainable Public Procurement Policy and Open Contracting Data Standard, underscoring its commitment to responsible procurement practices.

Joyeuse Uwingeneye, outgoing Chairperson of APPN and Director General of RPPA, remarked:

“We are rethinking how procurement can positively impact societies, economies, and the environment.”

Joyeuse Uwingeneye addressing participants.

Looking Ahead

As African governments embrace SPP, the continent is poised to set benchmarks for green economic growth and responsible consumption. Stakeholders agreed on the importance of clear targets, professional competency, and robust monitoring systems to ensure SPP's success.

Sanjay Kumar, Founder and MD of nexGEN Procurement Solutions, delivers a presentation at the fourth Assembly of APPN, on November 12, 2024, in Kigali (courtesy)

“And that is one of the ways which you as public procurement professionals can use to transform your supply chains and also to transform the whole economy,” he told participants at the meeting, referring to the governments’ huge purchasing power in Africa, and how it can be leveraged towards greening public procurement.

Regarding the around 17 per cent of Africa GDP reported as being spent in public procurement across Africa, Tusabe said that such number may even be higher “if we are all to use the sound systems with credible data that we can share to inform our policy orientation,” he said, pointing to current inadequate reporting as countries on the continent are at different stages of development in this area.

Victoria Kwakwa, the World Bank’s Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, said that looking forward, the future of public procurement in Africa is evolving rapidly. There is an increasing emphasis on sustainable procurement practices, circular procurement, and more agile systems that can respond quickly to emerging challenges.

During the same event, Rwanda launched its its Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) Policy Framework, which was approved by the Cabinet on October 18, 2024.

RPPA considers this policy framework a milestone in the nation’s journey toward sustainable development and green economic growth.

This initiative places Rwanda at the forefront of responsible procurement practices in Africa, reflecting the country’s commitment to integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability considerations into public procurement processes.

APPN outgoing President Joyeuse Uwingeneye (R), and its incoming President, Claver Ruswa, shake hands, on November 14, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda (courtesy).

For more details, visit the official APPN website or contact Association of Procurement Professionals.

Fred highlighted Rwanda's journey toward professionalizing procurement. Establishing a self-governing Institute of Procurement is more than just reform—it's a commitment to bridging the skills gap, fostering excellence, and ensuring sustainable procurement practices. Together, through collaboration and innovation, we can transform the procurement sector into a cornerstone of good governance and development. Let’s keep driving this progress forward!

Fred Bazatsinda, Chairperson of Association Of Procurement Professionals speaks at the fourth General Assembly of APPN, on November 13, 2024, in Kigali.

Chantal NISHIMWE between AKIRI Olivier (on Right side) and Emile Kalinda (on Left side). Team of Association Of Procurement Professionals attended the fourth General Assembly of APPN, on November 13, 2024, in Kigali

The Association of Procurement Professionals (APPR) team, including Chantal NISHIMWE positioned between Akiri Olivier (right side) and Emile Kalinda (left side), proudly participated in the Fourth General Assembly of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN). The event took place on November 12-14, 2024, in Kigali, bringing together procurement professionals and leaders to discuss critical advancements and innovations in public procurement.