This year’s 14th annual Absa Enterprise & Supplier Development (ESD) Expo, held alongside the 19th annual Smart Procurement World Indaba, wrapped up with record-breaking attendance and over R24 million in business opportunities generated for South African small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
A record 3,200 delegates attended the annual Smart Procurement World Indaba in Johannesburg to learn, share insights, and network. Among them were 1,000 public and private sector procurement specialists from across Africa and abroad. Running alongside the Indaba was the 14th Annual Absa Enterprise & Supplier Development Expo, the largest market access platform in South Africa, connecting SMME suppliers with key buyers and industry leaders. This year, the Expo and Visitor Open Day drew a record-breaking 2,200 attendees. Now in its 19th year, the event remains the country’s leading platform for professionals in procurement, inbound supply chain, and enterprise development.
South Africa is at a critical fiscal crossroads. Budget deficits are widening, debt service is consuming more public funds than ever and economic growth remains slow. But amid the pressure lies an opportunity to reform how the state spends its money and how public procurement supports real value, accountability, and development. Recognising this, the organisers of the upcoming annual Smart Procurement World Indaba have announced a not to be missed public sector panel discussion featuring some of the country’s most influential Treasury leaders.
Procurement fraud, tariffs and ethical sourcing are among the topics topping the agenda at the upcoming 19th annual Smart Procurement World Indaba, which takes place in Johannesburg from 15 to 18 September 2025. The organisers expect more than 2 000 attendees from the private and public sector to attend the event, which is South Africa’s top conference for the procurement and inbound supply chain profession.
PROCUREMENT FRAUD, TARIFFS AND ETHICAL SOURCING IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT 2025 INDABA Read More »
Too many corporate enterprise and supplier development (ESD) initiatives focus on compliance rather than real results. For long-term success and a sustainable impact on lives, the economy and South Africa’s unemployment crisis, emerging suppliers must be integrated into real supply chains.
ABSA REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO GROWING SMALL BUSINESSES WITH ITS 14TH ANNUAL ESD EXPO Read More »
