Over 2,000 procurement and supply chain professionals from across South Africa are expected to attend the 19th annual Smart Procurement World Indaba, taking place in Johannesburg from 15 to 18 September 2025. Recognised as the country’s leading event for the procurement and inbound supply chain profession, this year’s Indaba focuses on the industry’s growing strategic role in navigating global uncertainty, fraud risks, and sustainability demands.
Under the theme “Game On – It’s Time to Step Up,” the 2025 Indaba will position procurement as a key driver of innovation, collaboration, enterprise development, ESG compliance, and long-term value creation.
The programme features four major summits:
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Sustainability Summit Africa
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Corporate Sourcing and Supply Chain Summit
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Public Sector Supply Chain Summit
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Leaders’ Forum
One of the key pre-conference workshops will tackle procurement fraud, offering practical tools to strengthen accountability and anti-corruption efforts. Led by Clarence Jones, a former member of the Hawks, the session will focus on whistle-blower protection, segregation of duties, and digital controls to improve transparency and trust in procurement processes.
The official conference opens with two keynote addresses. The first explores procurement’s role in enterprise and supplier development (ESD), while the second, presented by Investec economist Lara Hodes, examines how South African businesses can adapt to rising tariffs, near-shoring trends, and supply chain uncertainty.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a major theme on day two. Jan Potgieter, Managing Director at Imperium, will present “AI, Agility and the New Rules of the Game”, which unpacks how procurement leaders can integrate emotional intelligence with AI-powered systems for future-ready negotiations.
Later, Architech founder Amy Hervey will lead a keynote on the impact of AI across industries like mining, sport, finance, and retail. Her message: while technology evolves, transformation starts with people. She will offer insights into how businesses can build emotionally intelligent and adaptable teams in an increasingly automated world.
Hervey will also join a high-level panel discussion alongside Kevin Lomax (Wings) and Pascalle Albrecht (Absa Group) on managing AI integration in sectors that rely heavily on human engagement, such as finance and travel.
The event’s Go Green Zone will spotlight sustainable procurement solutions, showcasing eco-conscious innovations and waste-reduction strategies. Over 600 decision-makers are expected to explore green products and services that support ESG goals.
CEO of Smart Procurement World, Debbie Tagg, emphasises the urgency of strategic procurement in today’s business landscape.
“In a world shaped by disruption, economic volatility, and environmental pressures, procurement must evolve from an operational role to a strategic force. This shift is critical to reducing risk, driving sustainability, supporting SMEs, and boosting supply chain resilience.”
To register or learn more about the 2025 Smart Procurement World Indaba, visit smartprocurementworld.com/indaba or email info@smartprocurementworld.com.
