Johannesburg will once again host the Chartered Institute for Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Southern Africa Connect & Engage Conference & Awards on 5-6 August 2026. The event promises to have a significant impact on the region’s procurement and supply chain sector by bringing together senior professionals, policymakers, industry partners and solution providers under one roof.
The 2026 edition builds on the success of the 2025 conference, which drew over 300 delegates, including 20% from outside South Africa. By providing a platform for learning, networking and engagement, the conference is expected to strengthen the skills, connections and influence of procurement and supply professionals across the continent.
Paul Vos, Regional General Manager for CIPS Southern Africa, emphasized the purpose of the conference: “The 2026 conference is about capturing the excellence that exists within our profession and creating meaningful opportunities for delegates to engage with each other, with ideas and with the brands supporting the industry.”
Driving Professional Growth and Regional Collaboration
Delegates attending the 2026 Connect & Engage Conference can expect an interactive experience similar to the 2025 edition, with workshop-style sessions designed to provide practical knowledge alongside opportunities to explore innovative solutions from industry partners. New experiential brand touchpoints will enhance networking, giving attendees a chance to engage with suppliers, peers and thought leaders more closely.
CIPS has confirmed that Johannesburg will remain the host city, reinforcing the city’s position as a hub for business leadership and professional development in Southern Africa. The conference will also feature an expanded exhibition area, creating further opportunities for delegates to interact directly with solution providers and explore tools that can improve procurement and supply practices in their organisations.
CIPS Global CEO Ben Farrell is among the dignitaries expected to attend. In his address at last year’s conference, Farrell highlighted the growing global importance of procurement and supply professionals and the strategic role they play in today’s interconnected business environment. He stressed the potential of African procurement and supply expertise to contribute significantly to global markets, a message that resonated with professionals across the region.
Feedback from 2025 delegates highlighted the conference’s role in encouraging Pan-African sustainability and the development of local markets, reinforcing the event’s relevance beyond South Africa. By fostering these conversations, the conference aims to strengthen procurement standards, promote innovation and support the growth of resilient supply chains across the continent.
Opportunities for Delegates and Partners
Registration for the 2026 conference is now open through the CIPS Southern Africa microsite at https://events.cips.org/CIPSAfricaConferenceAwards2026ConnectandEngage. Earlybird tickets are priced at R7 000 for active CIPS members, R9 000 for non-members and R7 000 per ticket for corporate group bookings. Companies arranging group attendance can contact the CIPS sales team at Craig.OFlaherty@cips.org.
The conference also presents sponsorship opportunities for organisations looking to showcase their solutions to a focused audience of procurement and supply leaders. Interested companies can reach the CIPS team at ConnectAndEngage@cips.org.
Additional programme details, including speakers, workshops and exhibitor announcements, will be released in the coming weeks, ensuring that attendees have full access to opportunities for engagement and professional growth.
About CIPS
The Chartered Institute for Procurement & Supply is a global professional body dedicated to advancing procurement and supply management. Present in over 180 countries, CIPS sets international standards for the profession, promotes best practices and supports the transformation of supply chains worldwide.
CIPS leads in professional education and training, helping members develop skills that create strategic value for their organisations. The institute partners with businesses, governments and public institutions to improve procurement capabilities through training, consultancy and standards implementation. At its core, CIPS fosters a global community of professionals committed to ethical, sustainable and resilient supply chains that contribute to thriving societies.
By uniting professionals, innovators and policymakers, the 2026 CIPS Southern Africa Connect & Engage Conference & Awards promises to strengthen the region’s procurement and supply chain landscape while highlighting Africa’s growing role in global commerce.
