More than 2 000 public and private sector procurement specialists will convene in Johannesburg next week for the 19th annual Smart Procurement World Indaba, the country’s leading event for the procurement and inbound supply chain profession.

Against a backdrop of South Africa’s public finance crisis, new procurement regulations, tariffs, global trade threats and mounting ESG pressures, this event provides a vital platform for procurement professionals to learn, share knowledge and network. The indaba takes place from 15 to 18 September 2025.

Deputy Minister to open Sustainability Summit Africa at Indaba

The indaba features several important parallel events, including the fifth annual Sustainability Summit Africa, hosted in partnership with Deloitte, and the 14th annual Absa ESD Expo. The expo on 16 and 17 September empowers small businesses by offering them skills development and essential market linkage opportunities. The Sustainability Summit Africa, which takes place on 16 September, will be officially opened by Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, Bernice Swarts. With the theme “Global Goals, Local Impact,” the summit will explore how African organisations can localise global ESG frameworks to drive economic inclusion, environmental resilience and long-term competitiveness.

Highlights of the summit include a keynote by Raksha Sunderlall, Head Sustainability Advisor at Sasol, on scaling renewables to meet emission targets and unlock socio-economic growth. A panel featuring experts in solar, wind, and hydroelectricity transition will explore South Africa’s energy roadmap. Case studies on water-wise agriculture, electric mobility, green manufacturing and innovative financing mechanisms are also on the agenda.

The Green Zone expo will showcase sustainable procurement and eco-innovation.

“The ESG conversation must move beyond compliance,” says Debbie Tagg, CEO of Smart Procurement. “This summit is about practical, African-led sustainability solutions that align with business and public sector realities.”

Treasury leaders will address public sector procurement reform

In a pivotal public sector session at this year’s indaba, senior officials from National and Provincial Treasuries will unpack the latest fiscal strategies, challenges and priorities, including the implications of the new Public Procurement Act. “With government procurement accounting for nearly 30% of total state spending, public procurement reform is no longer optional,” says Tagg. “Procurement professionals must understand the evolving finance landscape to ensure that every rand delivers value.”

Corruption and AI in the spotlight

The indaba will also tackle rising procurement fraud and ethical challenges. A pre-conference workshop led by Clarence Jones, former Hawks official, will focus on fraud detection, whistle-blower protections and controls such as electronic payments and duty segregation.

Technology is another key focus. The theme of the 2025 Indaba, “Game On - it’s time to step up,” reflects the need for procurement professionals to embrace innovation, AI and strategic agility. The sessions this year include an examination of how AI is reshaping jobs in mining, sport, finance and retail.

ESG requirements tightening

“With tariff hikes, supply chain volatility and ESG requirements tightening globally, procurement has become a strategic lever, not just an operational function,” says Tagg. “Whether in government or the private sector, procurement leaders must now be strategic partners in solving national challenges ranging from budget deficits to climate change.”