The Conference theme is Procuring for Development in Uncertain Times. The theme will address a range of critically important issues relating to the uncertainty facing public procurement in Africa and beyond, especially in relation to digital innovations such as “smart contracts”; the integration between procurement and human rights issues such as modern slavery; global uncertainty in the face of Brexit and “America First” policies; the role of procurement in meeting the Sustainable Development goals; recession in many African countries and slow global economic growth, as well as issues of anti-corruption, governance and the operational context of procurement. Plenary speakers include some of the leading thinkers in public procurement in Africa and internationally, and the conference will feature numerous papers, and workshop presentations.