This group photo captures the South Sudan Delegation attending the 5th General Assembly of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN), held from 11–14 November 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The Assembly convened procurement leaders, policymakers, and development partners from across the continent under the theme “Transforming Public Procurement in Africa through Innovation, Inclusion, Sustainability, and Regional Collaboration.”

Opening the Assembly, Zimbabwe’s Vice President, General (Rtd.) Dr. Constantino G.D.N. Chiwenga, delivered a powerful message emphasizing that political will is the essential catalyst for procurement reform. He underscored the need for African governments to champion transparent and efficient systems; fully embrace digital technologies such as e-procurement, automation, and data analytics; and strengthen the professionalization of procurement officers to promote integrity, capability, and effectiveness. He further called on African nations to dismantle trade barriers, build stronger regional value chains, and promote cross-border cooperation as a pathway to shared continental prosperity.

While his message on political will spoke to the entire continent, it carried particular weight for South Sudan, a nation with a young and evolving procurement system. For South Sudan, political will is not only a catalyst—it is the bedrock upon which institutions such as the PPDAA, Procurement Committees, Procurement Units, Evaluation Committees, and Complaints Review mechanisms can be nurtured, protected, and allowed to mature. Strong leadership commitment ensures that procurement reforms are prioritized within national governance agendas; adequate resources are allocated for institutional development; and regulatory processes are safeguarded from undue interference. It also drives the adoption of digital transformation, enabling transparency, efficiency, and accountability across public procurement operations.

Political will further reassures development partners and citizens that South Sudan is committed to building a credible, accountable, and professional procurement system. At this foundational stage, every reform milestone—whether the introduction of Standard Bidding Documents, strengthening of Procurement Committees, or rolling out of the 2024 Regulations—rests heavily on leadership support and sustained policy direction.

Throughout the Assembly, the South Sudan Delegation participated actively in high-level deliberations and technical sessions on sustainable procurement, innovation, governance, and regional integration. Their presence and engagement reflect the country’s determination to learn from continental experiences, adopt tested approaches, and progressively strengthen its procurement landscape in alignment with international good practice.