Muhumuza champions open contracting for sustainable procurement at Africa Summit

Edwin Muhumuza, Head of Africa at the Open Contracting Partnership, championed open contracting as a critical driver for sustainable and transparent public procurement across the continent at the 7th Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Summit at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island.

Among the standout voices was Mr Muhumuza, who delivered a thought-provoking keynote, addressing a room filled with industry experts and policymakers,His message, delivered under the summit’s theme “Driving Impact through Innovation: The Future of Procurement & Supply Chain in Africa,” called for a shift towards more accountable and inclusive systems to unlock Africa’s development potential

Muhumuza, whose organization spun out from the World Bank in 2015, emphasized that public procurement is a shared responsibility involving governments, businesses, and communities. “Procurement isn’t just an administrative task; it’s a powerful tool for delivering critical services like healthcare, roads, and technology while driving policy outcomes,” he said.

He criticized traditional procurement for being inefficient, overly prescriptive, and vulnerable to corruption, noting that globally, 57% of bribes are linked to public procurement, and 30% of companies avoid government contracts due to corruption risks.

Open contracting, he argued, offers a solution by promoting transparency, data-driven decision-making, and stakeholder engagement. “Accessible procurement data fosters competition, improves policies, and ensures accountability,” Muhumuza stated, citing Zambia’s e-procurement challenges as a cautionary tale where competition dropped due to inadequate change management. He urged African nations to leverage data to evaluate and refine procurement systems.

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A key focus of his address was sustainability, with public procurement accounting for 15% of global carbon emissions. “The way governments buy—whether it’s cars, computers, or infrastructure—can shift markets toward sustainability,” he said.

Muhumuza advocated for a “four-way test” for procurement, ensuring it benefits people, prosperity, and the planet. “Sustainable procurement means prioritizing social responsibility, equity, and environmental impact—ensuring we meet today’s needs without compromising future generations,” he added, citing examples like sourcing furniture from sustainable forests and incorporating carbon-efficient requirements.

Highlighting Nigeria’s leadership, Muhumuza praised states like Ekiti for using open data to promote women-owned businesses. He called for stronger policies to align procurement with public needs, reduce corruption, and foster innovation. “If procurement is fair, inclusive, and environmentally conscious, it can transform economies and societies,” he concluded, inspiring summit attendees to embrace open contracting as a catalyst for Africa’s sustainable future.