Lagos to Host Africa Supply Chain Development Summit

The summit will serve as a strategic forum for sharing insights and tackling emerging challenges in procurement and supply chain management across Africa.

According to a statement, Dr. Clever Ruswa, President of the African Public Procurement Network, is slated to deliver the keynote address at the 7th Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Summit, scheduled for July 3–4, 2025, in Lagos.

Themed “Driving Impact through Innovation: The Future of Procurement & Supply in Africa,” the summit will bring together supply chain experts, industry stakeholders, and regulatory authorities to examine transformative innovations shaping the future of procurement across the continent.

Dr. Clever Ruswa, who also serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, is expected to deliver insights and present “actionable strategies for strengthening procurement governance to promote transparency, sustainability, and competitiveness.”

He noted that the summit offers a “critical stage for elevating procurement standards,” adding that he plans to use the platform to demonstrate how innovation and best practices can “bolster transparency, bring sustainable growth, and unleash Africa’s economic promise.”

The African Public Procurement Network (APPN), under Dr. Ruswa’s leadership, unites public procurement bodies from 46 African countries with the shared goal of strengthening procurement and supply chain systems across the continent. Summit organisers noted that Ruswa has played a pivotal role in driving reforms that integrate global supply chain standards while addressing Africa’s unique economic and infrastructural challenges.

They also highlighted his work at the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), where he has led initiatives aimed at building more transparent, competitive, and accountable procurement frameworks. These reforms are not only improving compliance and governance but also enhancing the efficiency and resilience of public supply chains. By reducing bottlenecks, encouraging fair market participation, and embedding sustainability into procurement processes, Ruswa’s leadership is helping to position supply chains as critical enablers of economic development and long-term growth across Africa.

With a career rooted in finance, infrastructure, and regulatory oversight, Dr. Ruswa brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has held key leadership roles across both the private and public sectors, including Group CEO at the Mike Appel Organisation, COO at the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe, General Manager at ZB Financial Holdings, and Head of Operations at Interfin Bank. His multi-sector expertise continues to shape his approach to reforming procurement and supply chain systems across Africa.

The summit is also expected to draw perspectives from major players across various industries. Organisations such as MTN, Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority, the Volta River Authority, and Flour Mills of Nigeria Limited will share practical insights—further underscoring the vital role of procurement and supply chain in driving operational excellence and economic growth across the continent.