The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Southern Africa has announced the finalists for its 2026 Excellence in Procurement & Supply Awards, recognising innovation, leadership and impact across the procurement profession.
The winners will be announced at the CIPS Southern Africa Connect & Engage Conference Gala Dinner on 5 August 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff in Johannesburg.
Record number of award entries
The 2026 awards attracted a record number of entries, reflecting the growing strategic role of procurement and supply chain management across Southern Africa.
According to Paul Vos, Regional Managing Director of CIPS Southern Africa, the quality and volume of submissions demonstrate how the profession continues to evolve.
“The record number of entries received this year is a strong signal that procurement and supply professionals across Southern Africa increasingly see excellence as something to be recognised, celebrated, and benchmarked. It reflects the growing maturity of the profession and the pride that organisations and individuals take in demonstrating the impact of procurement and supply chain management,” says Vos.
Awards recognise innovation and measurable impact
This year’s finalists represent a wide range of categories, including risk management, sustainability, digital transformation, supplier development, diversity and inclusion, public procurement, leadership and talent development.
Entries were assessed on measurable outcomes, innovation and the value delivered.
Organisations receiving multiple nominations include the Central Bank of Eswatini, FSD Africa, Joburg Market, Yum! Brands, SAICA, Oceana Group Limited and Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF).
Digital transformation and sustainability recognised
Several categories reflect changing priorities within the procurement profession.
The Best Use of Digital Technology category includes initiatives such as the Central Bank of Eswatini’s e-procurement system, Eskom’s inventory digitisation programme and Zambia National Commercial Bank’s inventory management application.
The Best Sustainability Project category highlights initiatives focused on sustainable finance and environmental transformation.
Other categories recognise supplier development, youth empowerment, enterprise growth and inclusive economic participation through procurement.
These include Best Initiative to Build a Diverse Supplier Base, Best Initiative to Deliver Social Value through Procurement, and Outstanding Diversity & Inclusion Practices in Procurement Teams.
“Not only did we receive significantly more entries than in 2025, but our judges also noted a marked increase in the overall quality of submissions,” says Vos. “This is encouraging because it indicates that organisations are moving beyond simply talking about procurement excellence and are actively embedding it into their operations, leadership practices and business outcomes.”
Individual finalists announced
The awards will also honour outstanding individuals across three categories.
Leader of the Year finalists
- Dr Denias Kagande, Central Procurement Consultants (Pvt) Ltd
- Dr Clever Ruswa, Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ)
- Sandra Banda, British Council
- Vusi Matsebula, Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA)
- Prof Zachary Bolo Awino, University of Nairobi
SheInspires finalists
- Asanda Penny, National Transmission Company South Africa
- Mollen Chareka, CARE
- Boitumelo Lephadi, Joburg Market
- Sandra Banda, British Council
- Sharon Hellen Nyaika, MTN Uganda
- Lesego Sineke, Rand Water
Young Talent finalists
- Kelvin Mudoko, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
- Micaela Findlay, BEAPO Pty Ltd
- Ofentse Konaite, Transnet SOC Ltd
- Rochelle Jacobs, Western Cape Government
Winners selected by independent judges
Vos says one of the awards’ strengths is the independent judging process.
“One of the unique strengths of the CIPS Awards is that they are independently judged by a panel of experienced procurement and supply professionals holding MCIPS and FCIPS designations,” says Vos. “While the awards carry the CIPS name, the winners are determined by respected peers from the profession, ensuring credibility, objectivity and integrity throughout the process.”
He says the awards continue to showcase organisations and professionals raising standards across the procurement and supply chain sector.
“The organisations represented on this year’s shortlist are helping to build trusted, resilient and high-performing supply chains at a time when procurement has never been more important to organisational success, economic growth and public confidence,” says Vos.
“We congratulate all those who have been shortlisted, representing some of the very best procurement and supply chain talent, capability, and innovation across our region, and look forward to celebrating their achievements.”
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