PPDA is set to host the 14th East Africa Procurement Forum in March 2023.
Drake Nyamugabwa
Following the 13th East Africa Procurement Forum that was hosted in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda from April 15-16, 2021, among the resolutions adopted chose Uganda to host the 14th forum.
This has been confirmed during a press briefing held on 22nd December 2022 at the Media Centre announced by the Minister of State, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi flanked by Executive Director Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Benson Turamye, CEO Fathil International Projects Ltd (FIPRO) - Mr. Moses Aibah Agaba among other dignitaries.
The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has been selected to host the 14th annual East African Procurement Forum and introduce the East African Business Expo to take place from 23rd to 26th March, 2023 at Kololo Independence grounds in Kampala Uganda.
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.
Minister Musasizi said that the main purpose of the Forum is to increase interaction and knowledge sharing and to consolidate efforts towards improving the public procurement landscape in the region.
He said that the East African Procurement Forum and East African Business Expo is an opportunity to share experiences and challenges with the aim of improving country procurement systems while upholding the desire by member states to harmonize the systems towards a political federation
“This East African Procurement Forum and Business Expo is therefore an opportunity for Uganda as a nation to share experiences and challenges with the aim of improving country procurement systems. I believe this forum and the business expo align well with the EA region’s efforts in consolidating momentum that will drive the region into socio-economic transformation, prosperity, and sustainable development” he said
He added that 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.
The theme of the forum is: “Open Contracting as a vehicle for Sustainable Development.”
Robert Mukiza, The Director General at Uganda Investment Authority while gving his remarks urged the investors in Uganda to take advantage of this growing market as we also welcome the rest of East Africa region to invest and do business in Uganda.
Picture above: Benson Turamye ED PPDA at the press briefing on Thursday
He applauded the leadership of PPDA who will be hosting the 14th East African Procurement Forum and the first East African Business Expo.
“As an investment destination, Uganda is well placed at the heart of the larger and growing market of a combined market population of more than 300 million people. l would like to assure you that investing in Uganda is attractive and profitable” he said
The annual forum attracts around 300 participants including Government officials, public procurement industry Experts, Govt suppliers, Development Partners, members of Civil Society and procurement Training Institutions
