With just less than 30 days remaining until the CIPS Southern Africa Connect & Engage Conference and Awards 2026, organisers have confirmed two of the region's most influential public-sector leaders among the headline speakers for this year's event.

Dr Johnstone Makhubu, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and Dr Clever Ruswa, Chief Executive Officer of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), will join procurement, supply chain, business and government leaders from across Africa at the conference, taking place on 4–5 August 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff in Johannesburg.

Hosted by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), the world's leading professional body for procurement and supply management, representing more than 200,000 professionals across 180 countries, the event is expected to attract senior decision-makers from across the continent at a time when organisations are grappling with economic uncertainty, geopolitical disruption, regulatory reform, climate pressures and rapid technological change.

Held under the theme 'Connect, Engage, Through Excellence', the conference will examine how procurement and supply chain management are increasingly shaping economic growth, organisational resilience, governance and competitiveness across Africa.

The two-day programme brings together a diverse line-up of keynote speakers, panellists and thought leaders from government, business, academia and the broader procurement and supply chain ecosystem.

Dr Johnstone Makhubu will deliver a keynote address on 'Procurement and Supply Chain as Strategic and Economic Enablers', exploring the role of procurement in supporting national development and economic performance. Dr Ruswa will present a keynote on 'Procurement and Supply Chain Resilience in a Disrupted World', drawing on regional and international lessons in building more resilient supply systems.

Other keynote sessions include Jainthree Sankar, Director of ProcureNew, who will explore 'Developmental, Localised and Inclusive Supply Chains That Work', while Lesego Sineke, Chief Procurement Officer at Rand Water, will lead a breakaway session on 'Trust, Transparency and Stakeholder Confidence Across Supply Chains'.

A particular highlight will be a masterclass on 'Data Integrity as the Foundation of Procurement, Supply Chain and Financial Credibility', presented by Ronald Flockhart, Chief Information Security Officer at FirstRand. The session will examine how data governance, information integrity and organisational trust are becoming increasingly interconnected in modern supply chains.

The conference will also feature high-level panel discussions exploring supply chain resilience, value for money, sustainability, supplier development, Pan-African integration, future talent, women in leadership, and the role of procurement and supply chains in Africa's economic development.

Panel participants include senior leaders from Transnet, Sasol, First National Bank, the Industrial Development Corporation, the National Heritage Council, the Botswana Unified Revenue Service, the Central Bank of Eswatini and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, among others.

"Procurement and supply chains are playing an increasingly strategic role in how organisations respond to complexity, manage risk and create long-term value," says Paul Vos, Regional Managing Director of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Southern Africa.

"This conference brings together leaders from across sectors and geographies to share practical insights, challenge conventional thinking and explore the opportunities that will define the future of the profession."

The conference will be hosted by award-winning journalist and Newzroom Afrika reporter Katleho Sekhotho and CNBC Africa business news anchor Zinathi Gquma. Renowned comedian, speaker and facilitator Jason Goliath will host the gala dinner, bringing his trademark blend of humour, insight and entertainment to the occasion.

The conference will once again be complemented by the CIPS Excellence in Procurement & Supply Awards 2026, celebrating the organisations and professionals driving excellence, innovation and leadership across the procurement and supply chain profession.

Beyond the conference sessions, attendees will have opportunities to engage directly with peers, industry leaders and decision-makers from across Southern Africa and the broader continent, creating valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration.

With registrations tracking strongly and limited places remaining, delegates are encouraged to secure their attendance as soon as possible.

"The conversations taking place at this year's conference are not just about the future of procurement and supply chains," says Vos. "They are about the future competitiveness, resilience and economic development of organisations and countries across Africa."

Tickets, programme information and conference details are available through the official CIPS Conference 2026 microsite.