African Public Procurement Community to Convene in Lungi from 24–27 November 2026
| DATES 24–27 November 2026 | VENUE Julius Maada Bio International Conference Center | LOCATION Lungi, Sierra Leone |
The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) of Sierra Leone is pleased to announce that Sierra Leone will host the 2026 African Public Procurement Network (APPN/RACOP) Conference from 24th to 27th November 2026.
The high-level continental gathering will be held at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Center in Lungi, Sierra Leone, bringing together public procurement regulators and practitioners, government representatives, development partners, private-sector stakeholders, civil society organisations, academia and other key actors from across Africa and beyond.
The conference will provide a strategic platform for the African public procurement community to exchange knowledge, share experiences, showcase innovations and strengthen cooperation towards more effective, transparent, accountable and sustainable public procurement systems across the continent.
A Continental Platform for Procurement Reform
Public procurement remains a critical component of public-sector governance and national development. Across Africa, procurement institutions are increasingly undertaking reforms to strengthen institutional capacity, improve transparency and accountability, embrace digital technologies and ensure that public resources deliver greater value for citizens.
The 2026 APPN/RACOP Conference will provide an opportunity for participating countries to examine these developments, share practical experiences and explore innovative approaches to addressing common procurement challenges.
Discussions and technical sessions are expected to address areas including digital transformation and electronic government procurement; innovation and emerging technologies; professionalisation and capacity development; transparency, accountability and procurement oversight; open contracting and procurement data; sustainable public procurement; inclusive procurement and opportunities for SMEs; regional cooperation and knowledge sharing; strengthening procurement regulatory institutions; and emerging trends and future directions in African public procurement.
Sierra Leone’s Procurement Transformation
Sierra Leone’s hosting of the 2026 APPN/RACOP Conference comes at a significant period in the country’s ongoing public procurement transformation.
Through the National Public Procurement Authority, Sierra Leone has continued to strengthen the regulatory, institutional and operational framework governing public procurement.
A major component of this transformation is the implementation of the Salone Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) System, which is progressively digitising key stages of the public procurement cycle.
The system represents an important step towards improving efficiency, transparency, accessibility, accountability and the availability of procurement information to stakeholders.
The APPN/RACOP Conference will therefore provide an important opportunity for Sierra Leone to share its procurement reform experience with African counterparts, while learning from innovations, practices and experiences from other procurement jurisdictions across the continent.
Strengthening African Cooperation
The conference will bring together procurement professionals and institutions around a shared objective: strengthening public procurement systems that contribute to effective governance and national development.
Participants will engage through high-level dialogues, technical presentations, panel discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions and networking activities.
The conference will provide space for procurement authorities to examine practical solutions to common challenges, strengthen professional networks and identify opportunities for greater cooperation among African countries.
It will also provide an important platform for development partners, private-sector stakeholders, civil society, academia and other actors to contribute perspectives on the future of public procurement in Africa.
NPPA Welcomes Africa to Sierra Leone
The National Public Procurement Authority looks forward to welcoming members of the African public procurement community to Sierra Leone for this important continental gathering.
Welcome to Sierra Leone
The 2026 APPN/RACOP Conference will also provide delegates with an opportunity to experience Sierra Leone beyond the conference room.
Known for its scenic coastline, mountains, islands, cultural heritage and warm hospitality, Sierra Leone offers visitors a distinctive West African experience.
Among the country’s renowned coastal destinations is Tokeh Beach, situated along the Freetown Peninsula. Its expansive white-sand shoreline, Atlantic waters and lush tropical surroundings provide a striking representation of Sierra Leone’s natural beauty.
The aerial image featured above is intended to introduce delegates and international audiences to one of Sierra Leone’s iconic coastal destinations and to complement the conference’s continental welcome message.
SIERRA LEONE WELCOMES AFRICA
From 24th to 27th November 2026, the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Center in Lungi will serve as the meeting point for Africa’s public procurement community.
Sierra Leone looks forward to welcoming procurement leaders, practitioners, policymakers, development partners and stakeholders from across the continent for four days of dialogue, knowledge exchange, collaboration and professional networking.
The Government and people of Sierra Leone, through the National Public Procurement Authority, warmly welcome the African public procurement community to the country.
| “Sierra Leone is honoured to host the 2026 African Public Procurement Network/RACOP Conference. This is an important opportunity for our country to welcome procurement leaders and practitioners from across Africa, share our reform experiences, learn from our counterparts and strengthen partnerships that will contribute to the advancement of public procurement across the continent.” — Chief Fodie J. Konneh, Chief Executive Officer, National Public Procurement Authority |
Sierra Leone welcomes Africa.
APPN/RACOP 2026
24–27 November 2026
Julius Maada Bio International Conference Center
Lungi, Sierra Leone
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA)
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Email: info@nppa.gov.sl
Website: www.nppa.gov.sl
