Industry leaders to gather at the 6th Annual Sustainability Summit Africa to turn ESG commitments into measurable business outcomes
Johannesburg, South Africa – For two decades, the Smart Procurement World Indaba has been at the forefront of conversations shaping procurement and supply chain management across Africa. As the Indaba celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, one message has become impossible to ignore: the future of procurement is inseparable from sustainability.
Across the continent, businesses are facing mounting pressure from investors, customers, regulators and global supply chains to demonstrate measurable Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance. Sustainability is no longer a reporting exercise or a corporate responsibility initiative; it has become a strategic business imperative that directly influences procurement decisions, investment opportunities and long-term competitiveness.
These critical conversations will take centre stage at the 6th Annual Sustainability Summit Africa, taking place on 15 September 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, co-located with the landmark 20th Annual Smart Procurement World Indaba.
Hosted in partnership with SLR, the Summit will bring together sustainability executives, procurement leaders, policymakers, ESG specialists and business decision-makers to share practical strategies for embedding sustainability into everyday business operations.
Rather than focusing solely on environmental ambition, this year’s programme is designed around execution, equipping organisations with practical tools to integrate ESG into procurement, operations, investment decisions and long-term business strategy.
“Across Africa, sustainability has become a business imperative rather than a corporate initiative,” says Debbie Tagg, CEO of Smart Procurement.
“Procurement sits at the heart of every organisation, influencing supplier relationships, operational resilience and long-term value creation. Every purchasing decision has the potential to drive environmental responsibility, economic inclusion and sustainable growth. The Sustainability Summit Africa creates a platform where leaders can move beyond conversations and leave with practical strategies they can implement immediately.”
This year’s programme explores the issues shaping Africa’s sustainability agenda through expert-led presentations, panel discussions and industry case studies.
Delegates will gain insights into: Building resilient, low-carbon supply chains that remain competitive in changing global markets. Renewable energy adoption, decarbonisation strategies and the future of sustainable business growth. ESG accountability, governance and measuring meaningful business impact and so much more.
The programme also places significant emphasis on sustainable procurement, recognising procurement professionals as key drivers of organisational transformation and responsible supply chain development. Discussions will explore how procurement decisions influence carbon reduction, supplier resilience, ethical sourcing and long-term business value.
This year’s Summit features respected business leaders and sustainability specialists who are helping shape Africa’s ESG landscape, including:
- Kuda Mukova, CEO, The Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability.
- Jan de Kok, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB), Absa.
- Tania Swanepoel, Head of Sustainability, Old Mutual Alternative Investments.
- Bevan Louis, Principal – Impact Advisor, Alexander Forbes.
Together with other industry experts, they will share practical insights, case studies and innovative approaches to accelerating Africa’s sustainability journey.
As the Summit’s Anchor Partner, SLR brings global sustainability expertise and practical industry experience to conversations that are increasingly shaping boardroom agendas across Africa. “Smart Procurement World provides the platform and procurement reach, while SLR brings the technical expertise and practical experience needed to turn sustainability commitments into stronger supplier systems, measurable performance and more resilient African supply chains” echoes Johan Oosthuizen, Associate Director, SLR.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping organisations navigate complex ESG challenges while identifying opportunities for innovation, resilience and long-term value creation.
Being co-located with the 20th Annual Smart Procurement World Indaba creates a unique opportunity for delegates to experience how sustainability and procurement have become inseparable drivers of business success.
Together, the two events will bring together procurement, supply chain, ESG and sustainability professionals from across Africa to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends and discover practical solutions that strengthen organisational resilience while delivering measurable environmental and social impact.
Featured at the Summit is the Go Green Zone, showcasing innovative products, technologies and services helping organisations accelerate their sustainability journeys and build future-ready supply chains.