**Mbabane**: The Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Authority launched its first cross-border procurement masterclass, gathering procurement professionals and highlighting Eswatini’s progressive legislation. The event aimed to transform procurement into a strategic function across Africa, fostering partnerships and innovative solutions in the sector.
On April 3, 2025, a significant milestone was achieved in Eswatini’s public sector as the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ESPPRA) hosted its inaugural cross-border procurement masterclass. This event took place at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Mbabane and commenced an ambitious initiative intended to reshape procurement as an essential strategic function across the African continent.
The masterclass saw attendance from an array of professionals, including leaders from the private sector, state procurement officials, global consultants, and finance executives. A notable highlight was the participation of a delegation from the South African consultancy firm Procura Insights, which reflects Eswatini’s growing stature in procurement reform.
Tsholofelo Tsholofelo, Chief Group Officer of Procura Insights, praised Eswatini’s procurement legislation, describing it as “impressively progressive.” He noted the country’s Public Procurement Act’s strategic procurement planning provisions, stating, “From a legislative standpoint, Eswatini is ahead of many African countries.” Tsholofelo emphasized that the law inherently empowers procurers by eliminating the need for additional permissions or policy drafting: “That kind of clarity empowers procurers to act strategically.”
During the event, he highlighted the recognition of procurement as a strategic function post-Covid-19, while acknowledging that such recognition has not yet resulted in substantial influence within organisations. He remarked, “The procurement department holds valuable information insights we haven’t fully tapped into to inform decisions.”
The masterclass encouraged professionals to embrace their roles as transformative change agents rather than mere administrators. Archie Masimega, Director of Procura Insights, articulated the significance of choosing Eswatini as the launching point for the ten-country masterclass series. He said, “We’re not just here for business. We’re here to build meaningful partnerships at no cost to you and co-create a community of practice that elevates procurement across borders.” Masimega also announced plans for Procura Insights to establish a local office in Eswatini by June, underscoring the country’s importance to their expansion strategy in Africa.
The format of the masterclass distinguished it from other training sessions. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, participants were encouraged to challenge existing procurement norms and devise innovative solutions collaboratively. Key topics included strategic procurement planning, risk management, value-for-money frameworks, and leadership in procurement.
The organizers highlighted the necessity of repositioning procurement as a driver of organisational success rather than merely a compliance function. The grievances expressed by procurement professionals—some of whom feel undervalued and scapegoated—were acknowledged openly. As Tsholofelo asserted, “Procurement professionals need to be valued, respected, and resourced. Only then can they transform the systems they manage.”
Vusumutiwendvodza Matsebula, CEO of ESPPRA, commended the Manzini Municipal Council as the top-performing public procurement entity in Eswatini, citing it as a benchmark for others. He urged participants to take the training seriously and to create opportunities for procurement graduates, inferring that the nation’s preparedness could lead to a future role in larger markets such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the European Union.
The masterclass serves as a precursor to a series of subsequent sessions across nine more countries. Experts have noted that as Africa’s economic strategies evolve, procurement is increasingly vital for national development and attracting international investment.
The inclusion of young professionals and women leaders throughout the session indicates a movement towards more inclusive procurement practices on the continent. Discussions also covered the potential of digital tools to enhance public sector efficiency, with experts advocating for their careful implementation.
Nomcebo Mthembu, a procurement officer at the Ministry of Health, shared her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “For the first time, I felt like procurement was being treated as the strategic profession it is.” She noted that the training highlighted the vast potential for achievement with the right tools at their disposal.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Subscribe to Industry Updates
