PPDA launches regional procurement forum slated for March

The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has launched the 14th annual East African Procurement Forum and the East African Business Expo (EABE) slated to take place from 23rd to 26th March, 2023 at Kololo Independence grounds in Kampala Uganda.

The launch which was held at Mestil Hotel on Tuesday 28 February 2023 was graced by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga.

While giving her speech during the event, Kadaga underscored the need for forums such as the East African Procurement Forum and East African Business Expo in promoting regional trade and cooperation in East Africa.

“This event is particularly important because it will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across the region to share ideas, build relationships, and explore new opportunities for growth and development,” she said.

 Kadaga added: “I am pleased to share with you some figures that highlight the size and importance of regional trade within the East African community. The intra-EAC trade, accounting for imports and exports in the 7 EAC Partner States continues to grow due to political goodwill among the member states and stands at just over $10.17 billion by September 2022, representing a 20% share of Intra-trade to global trade. It is important to note that Uganda exports over $4 Billion to members of EA which accounts for slight of 50% making the EAC partner states our largest trading partners.”

She also reechoed Government of Uganda’s commitment to support initiatives that promote regional cooperation and trade such as the upcoming regional procurement forum.

“The Government of Uganda recognises the importance of regional integration and trade, and is committed to promoting policies and initiatives that will help to further strengthen economic ties between our countries,” she said, adding that, “My ministry is committed to supporting initiatives like this that promote regional integration and economic development. I encourage all of you to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your businesses, connect with potential partners, and contribute to the growth of our region.”

The PPDA executive director, Benson Turamye, while addressing the media during the event said the regional procurement forum will this time around come along with the EABE which is intended to bring together investors from the region and other parts of the world to showcase whatever business they can do with the Government of Uganda.

“The business expo is intended to bring together investors of the region and other countries. The investors will showcase whatever business they think they can do with Government of Uganda,” he said.

The executive director also said the event will mostly involve businesses exhibiting products that they can offer the market.

“People will exhibit products during the forum. Those who manufacture products like clothes, agricultural produce, tractors and road equipment among others. This will help Government know what different businesses have to offer,” he said.

The East African Procurement Forum (EAPF) is an event which gathers Heads of public procurement regulatory bodies from the East African Community (EAC) member states and other participants on an annual basis.

The forum and the East African Business Expo which is being organised by Fathil International projects (FIPRO) is an opportunity to share experiences and challenges with the aim of improving country procurement systems while upholding the desire by member states to harmonise the systems towards a political federation.

The Chief Executive Office FIPRO, Moses Agaba, said the event is important to Uganda and the region because local businesses get the opportunity for exposure. The local businesses get the opportunity of networking, collaboration and also be able to showcase the products they have to offer to the regional East African market.

The 14th East African Procurement Forum and East African Business Expo which is a four-day event will include business meetings, conferences, Innovation, Networking, generate sales leads and building of valuable relationships, under the theme “Open Contracting as a vehicle for Sustainable Development.”

For the first time ever, the East African Procurement forum will include the East African Business Expo which will attract procurement professionals and key industry suppliers from the 7 East African countries to share knowledge, best practice, network as well as avail opportunities for suppliers to showcase their products, goods and services.

PPDA will host partner procurement regulatory bodies which include: The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) of Kenya, The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) of Tanzania, The Rwanda Public Procurement Authority, Agence de Regulation des Marches Public (ARMP) of Burundi, Agence de Regulation des Marches Public (ARMP) of DRC and the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Southern Sudan who together regulate over Two hundred thousand (200,000) suppliers with a procurement market size estimated at over $100b annually.

Procurement Service Providers, Suppliers of Goods and Services, Consultants, institutions and Interest Groups are invited to participate as exhibitors or sponsors. The East African Business Expo provides an unrivalled opportunity to showcase products and services directly to key decision makers involved in procurement and purchasing.

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