South Sudan to Host 17th East Africa Regional Procurement Reforms Conference
By Patricia John
South Sudan has been officially selected to host the 17th East Africa Regional Procurement Reforms Conference, scheduled to take place from May 11 to 14, 2026, officials have announced.
The announcement was made by Ajang Deng Daniel, Acting Executive Director of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA), during a reception ceremony held on Wednesday for Deputy Minister Thok Turuk Thok and First Undersecretary Malual Tap Dieu of the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
According to Daniel, the four-day conference is expected to attract over 300 participants, including 150 from South Sudan. Attendees will include procurement professionals, policymakers, and key stakeholders from across the East African region. The event aims to provide a platform for knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and strengthened collaboration among member states on procurement best practices.
He noted that hosting the conference marks a significant milestone for South Sudan, reflecting the country’s commitment to improving governance, accountability, and transparency in public financial management.
Participants are expected to engage in discussions on innovative procurement solutions, regional cooperation, and harmonized regulatory frameworks—key elements for enhancing efficiency and accountability in public resource management.
“The Minister of Finance and Planning, Salvatore Garang Mabior, has approved the event to take place in May, with logistical arrangements currently underway to ensure a smooth and impactful conference,” Daniel stated.
The East Africa Procurement Reform Initiative is a regional effort aimed at modernizing public procurement processes across member states. It focuses on transforming public purchasing into transparent, data-driven, and electronic systems. The initiative seeks to curb corruption, improve operational efficiency, and ensure governments achieve value for money in public spending.