The group photo captures a significant moment at the closing ceremony of the 10-day Capacity-Building Training Programme for PPDAA staff and Procurement Officers from various MDAs, held from 24 November to 5 December 2025 at the Grand Juba Hotel. The atmosphere of the event reflected pride, unity, and renewed commitment to advancing procurement professionalism in South Sudan.

Seated at the centre of the photo is the Executive Director of PPDAA, Hon. Deng Akuei Kak. To his left is the Chairperson of the Authority, Hon. Ayii Akol Bol, who served as the Guest of Honour, and on the far left is the President Elect of the cohort, Ms. Charity Keji Stephen Enosa. The group reflects diversity and dedication, with 8 women among the 44 officials who successfully completed the training.

In his remarks, the Executive Director congratulated participants for their endurance and active engagement across all nine training modules, which covered procurement planning, methods of procurement, bid evaluation, contract management, monitoring, and disposal of public assets. He highlighted the structured learning journey—from the entry quiz through practical group sessions to the final assessment—and emphasised that the certificates awarded symbolised not just achievement, but readiness to elevate procurement practice within their respective institutions.

He further expressed appreciation to the Public Financial Management and Institutional Strengthening (PFMIS) Project, acknowledging its crucial support toward strengthening procurement reforms in South Sudan. He noted that the PFMIS Project has been instrumental in enabling initiatives such as this training and will continue to underpin future capacity-building programmes aimed at transforming public procurement systems and improving service delivery.

In her address, the President Elect, Ms. Charity Keji Stephen Enosa, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the facilitator for delivering clear, practical, and engaging sessions. She thanked the PPDAA leadership for prioritising continuous learning and commended her fellow participants for their collaboration and commitment throughout the training. She urged all trainees to apply the knowledge gained, stressing that the true value of training lies in transforming institutional practice and enhancing accountability in procurement processes.

The Chairperson delivered his closing remarks with confidence that the knowledge acquired would significantly contribute to the ongoing procurement reforms anchored in the PPDA Act 2018 and PPDA Regulations 2024. He reaffirmed the Authority’s dedication to continuous professionalisation and highlighted that this programme marks the beginning of a series of structured trainings planned from February 2026 onward. He encouraged future nominees to embrace the opportunity with seriousness, emphasising that the success of procurement reforms depends on a skilled, ethical, and well-prepared workforce.

The group photo stands as a visual testament to the cohort’s achievements and their shared commitment to building a strong, accountable, and results-oriented procurement profession in South Sudan. It marks not only the end of an intensive training programme but also the beginning of a renewed journey of responsibility, implementation, and continuous growth.