Uganda to Host 14th annual East African Procurement Forum and Business Expo 2023
The forum, which will attract around 300 participants, is usually organized to to increase interaction and knowledge sharing, as well as to consolidate efforts towards improving the public procurement landscape in the region.
The Government through the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), will be hosting the 14th annual East African Procurement Forum and Business Expo 2023.
The forum, which will attract around 300 participants, is usually organized to to increase interaction and knowledge sharing, as well as to consolidate efforts towards improving the public procurement landscape in the region.
Originally scheduled for November 2022, the Minister of State for Finance Planning and Economic Development Henry Musasizi said it was however pushed to March 2023 partly because of the guidance from the Ministry of Health on the Ebola Virus situation but also to secure more time to manage logistical issues.
He noted that PPDA is therefore partnering with a private firm, Fathil International Projects Ltd (FIPRO), to organize a joint East African Procurement Forum and Business Expo, which will have business clinic designed to skill and avail opportunities to develop the suppliers.
“As a government, we know that public procurement is important for the country’s economic growth. As you may be aware, over 60% of the National Budget is spent on public procurement, we consider it is an integral part of strategic governance. 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 noted.
Musasizi highlighted that government, they pledge to continue playing a pivotal role in the co-ordination of development planning; mobilization of public resources; and ensuring effective accountability for the use of such resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
Benson Turyame, the executive director PPDA, 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.
“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,” he added.
According to Mukiza Robert the director general Uganda Investment Authority, as an investment destination, Uganda is well be placed at the heart of the larger and growing market of a combined market population of more than 300 million people.
He urged investors in Uganda to take advantage of this forum and growing market, as they also welcome the rest of the East Africa region to invest and do business in Uganda.
This year’s forum, which has been organized under the theme, “Open Contracting as a vehicle for sustainable Development,” will be held at Kololo independence grounds in Kampala, starting from 23rd to 26th March 2023.
