All set for the CIPS Conference

THE 9th CIPS Zimbabwe Annual Conference is the premier event for procurement and supply chain professionals in the region, organised by CIPS Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Institute of Procurement and Supply (ZIPS).

The conference will take place on 26-30 November 2023 at the Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Falls. CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) is the world’s largest professional body serving procurement and supply, with a global community of over 200,000 members in 160 countries.

It supports individuals and organisations in improving procurement practices, driving professional development, and promoting excellence in the procurement field. The conference aims to bring together procurement professionals and industry experts to discuss key trends, challenges, and innovative practices in procurement.

The conference theme is Procurement Leadership: Strategies in a Changing Landscape. The conference will equip the participants with the knowledge and skills to improve their performance and efficiency in their procurement and supply chain activities, as well as to leverage the opportunities and challenges presented by the changing global landscape.

The conference will also foster a sense of community and connection among the professionals and experts from different sectors and regions and showcase their achievements and best practices. The conference will cover various topics related to procurement leadership, such as strategic planning, change management, team building, and innovation. The conference will also feature panel discussions, workshops, case studies, and networking sessions.

The target audience includes procurement leaders and professionals from both private and public sectors across the region, as well as business leaders, policy makers, board members, CEOs, and senior executives.
Some of the topics lined up for the conference are:

• Importance of promoting “inclusive business” model in procurement: the role of MSMEs

• Incentivising the market (economic operators) to take the lead in advancing the strategic role of procurement to address global issues such as climate change
• The importance of certification among procurement professionals (the relevance of certifications and how to make them accessible and more inclusive)
• Procurement strategy, planning and risk management

The 2023 conference will be officially opened by Honourable Professor Amon Murwira, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development (MHTEISTD). Some of the keynote speakers include:
• Alexey Konov, Anti-Corruption Expert from Russia
• Jellie Molino, Sustainable Public Procurement Consultant from the World Bank
• Memory Nguwi, Managing Consultant
• Hilton Mazike, Director Supply Chain at Population Solutions for Health
The importance of initiatives like the 2023 CIPS Conference lies in fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development within the procurement sector. These initiatives help procurement professionals stay up to date with industry trends, explore innovative approaches, and build a network of peers. By promoting excellence in procurement, such initiatives contribute to organisational success, cost savings, risk management, and overall supply chain efficiency.

In a context of heightened digital demands and an influx of migrants, the procurement sector can play a significant role. Here are a few ways:
• Supply chain resilience: The procurement sector can focus on building resilient supply chains that can adapt to disruptions caused by digital demands and changes in migration patterns. This may involve diversifying suppliers, implementing risk management strategies, and leveraging technology for enhanced visibility and agility.
• Supplier diversity and inclusion: Procurement professionals can work towards promoting supplier diversity and inclusion, including suppliers owned by minority groups or migrants. By doing so, they can support economic inclusion and social equity while ensuring a broader supplier base and fostering innovation.
• Strategic sourcing: With the increasing digital demands, the procurement sector can strategically source technology products and services to meet the evolving needs of the country. This may involve conducting market research, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the procurement of reliable and cost-effective solutions.
• Ethical sourcing: Procurement professionals can prioritise ethical sourcing practices, ensuring the fair treatment, safety, and ethical employment of migrant workers in the supply chain. This requires due diligence, supplier audits, and responsible procurement practices.
From a professional point of view, I would encourage procurement professionals out there to join CIPS and attend the conference, as it is a valuable opportunity to learn from the experts, network with the peers, and celebrate the profession.

By joining CIPS, you will be part of the leading global community of procurement and supply professionals, and you will benefit from the resources, events, insights, and training that CIPS offers. By attending the conference, you will gain insights into the latest trends and best practices in procurement and supply chain management, and you will be able to apply them to your own context and challenges. You will also be able to connect with other professionals and experts, and exchange ideas and knowledge. You will also be able to demonstrate your commitment and professionalism to your organisation and stakeholders and enhance your reputation and credibility as a procurement and supply chain leader. Some of the benefits that professionals could enjoy by becoming part of the CIPS professional body are:
• Continuous learning: Stay updated with industry trends, regulations, and best practices through professional development programs, workshops, certifications, and participation in conferences.
• Networking: Build relationships with peers, industry experts, and suppliers to exchange knowledge and experiences, explore collaborations, and tap into new ideas.
• Embrace innovation: Be open to adopting new technologies, digital tools, and automation to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and improve the overall procurement function.
• Sustainability focus: Consider the impact of procurement decisions on sustainability and incorporate sustainable practices into supply chain management.
• Adaptability and agility: Stay flexible and responsive to changing market dynamics, emerging technologies, and evolving business needs.
• Collaboration: Foster collaboration between procurement and other departments within the organisation to align strategies, leverage synergies, and achieve common goals.