Harnessing the potential of procurement as a force for good

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The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) invites industry leaders, professionals, and experts to join this crucial conversation and explore ‘Procurement As a Force for Good’ during a two day conference that will be held in Johannesburg later this year.

In an era marked by social inequalities and economic uncertainty, and as the global economy grapples with ongoing disruptions, procurement and supply chains have emerged as powerful vehicles for positive change. Nowhere is this potential more evident than in South Africa, where responsible procurement practices can play a pivotal role in transforming the nation’s economy, society and the wider African continent.

Recent disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, ongoing global conflicts and the growing impact of climate change have exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains. “As we navigate these complexities, it is important to explore how these challenges can be catalysts for innovation and resilience.” 

CIPS Director Jolene Ludick CA (SA) says the event, which is set to take place on 6 and 7 September at the Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg, will serve as a platform to delve into the pivotal role procurement and supply chains play in making the world a better place. “No industry is better positioned for this,” she explains. “There isn’t a single sector, public or private, that is unaffected by procurement. Procurement is a fundamental component of economic activity across all industries and sectors.” 

Programme Director, Stephen Ashcroft, FCIPS says the conference will bring together procurement practitioners – people involved at every level of the supply chain – to shape a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future: “As an industry we are facing pressing challenges when it comes to sustainability, diversity, ethics and innovation. In South Africa and across the continent, procurement – when it’s done right, but also when it isn’t – impacts everyone. We want to enable our people to do it right and empower our procurement professionals to step into their role as societal and economic agents of change in an unequal and disrupted economy.” 

This, he says, starts with people willing to take a stand and challenge the status quo: “The conference aims to unpack this at an individual, organisational and societal level and, furthermore, to equip our participants with both the knowledge and the practical tools needed to go back to their offices and into the world as agents of change. This is the first step to collectively drive positive impact and create the future we want and deserve.”

Ludick says its it is important to acknowledge that there is no one-size-fits-all approach: “It’s not about prescribing from the top down what the industry should do, to be a force for good.  Instead, we want to ask our participants to bring their expertise and lived experiences to explore with us what “procurement as a force for good” might look like. We want to challenge individuals and industry to step up – and crucially, listen to and engage – in these robust conversations.” 

Session leaders will bring extensive knowledge and hands-on experience. “Our speakers won’t be telling us how it should be done; they will be providing insightful nuggets from their success stories,” Ludick says. “The programme has been structured to provide participants with practical, actionable insights that can be applied in real-world situations; skills that can be implemented long after the conference coffee has cooled.” 

Interactive, discussion-driven sessions will shed light on successful case studies and innovative approaches, while fostering a safe space for everyone in attendance to engage in difficult but necessary conversations about the future of the industry. “It’s about creating a safe space for people to have uncomfortable conversations and engage in robust debate to extend the dialogue beyond the way things have always been done,” Ashcroft explains. 

He says the conference will provide a platform to explore, not only the changes that are needed, but also the barriers to implementing these changes and the strategies needed to dismantle and overcome them. Networking sessions will provide the opportunity for peer engagement, collaboration and partnerships. 

Ludick says that Africa, with its vast resources and potential, is positioned to be a global leader in sustainable and ethical supply chains. “By forging partnerships and collaborations with international organisations, African businesses can enhance their global competitiveness while promoting fair trade, environmental stewardship and social justice,” she says. “By fostering a community of like-minded professionals and bringing together the provocateurs and disruptors, we hope to cultivate a collective commitment to shape the industry.” 

Ashcroft agrees: “By harnessing technology, enabling personal development, fostering innovation and prioritising social and environmental responsibility, we can create supply chains that not only deliver goods and services efficiently, but also empower communities, protect the planet and ensure a better future for all. The conference organisers and every participant must know that none of us knows more than all of us, and collectively we have the answers, the skills and the tools we need to move the industry forward.” 

For more information about the CIPS conference and to register for the event, please visit the official conference website here: http://cipsafricaconference.org.za/registration/

— Jamaine Krige