Bookings have opened for the prestigious Chartered Institute for Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Southern Africa 2026 Connect & Engage Conference & Awards.

The Institute’s flagship procurement and supply chain event will return to Johannesburg on 5-6 August.

Building on the momentum of the highly successful 2025 gathering which attracted more than 300 delegates – 20% of whom were from beyond South Africa’s borders – this year’s edition will once again bring together senior procurement professionals, supply chain leaders, policymakers and industry partners from across the region.

CIPS Southern Africa has confirmed that Johannesburg will remain the host city, reinforcing its status as a key hub for business leadership and professional development.

“The 2026 conference is about capturing the excellence that exists within our profession and creating meaningful opportunities for delegates to engage with each other, with ideas and with the brands supporting the industry,” says CIPS Southern Africa Regional General Manager Paul Vos.

Delegates can expect a similar interactive format to 2025, including workshop-style elements, alongside new experiential brand touchpoints designed to enhance networking and learning.

Expanded exhibition and engagement opportunities are also planned, allowing delegates to interact more closely with solution providers and industry partners.

The 2025 Connect & Engage Conference & Awards combined thought leadership sessions, practical workshops and peer networking, culminating in an awards ceremony celebrating excellence across the profession.

Vos confirmed that CIPS Global CEO Ben Farrell will again be among the dignitaries in attendance at this year’s event. Farrell used his platform at last year’s Conference to underscore the growing global importance of procurement and supply professionals, arguing that in a deeply interconnected world, their expertise was not just relevant, but essential.

His rousing address inspired professionals from across the region as he suggested the stars had aligned for procurement and supply in Africa which he saw as playing a far greater role in the global business environment.

The 2025 attendees hailed the event for encouraging them to think more about Pan-African sustainability and developing local markets.