The Director General of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), Mr. Dennis Simba (left), and the Managing Director of the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), Ms. Christine Mwakatobe, recently met in Arusha to discuss the ongoing preparations for the upcoming East African Public Procurement Forum, which will be held at the AICC from September 9 to 12, 2024.

The leaders expressed their satisfaction with the progress made by both organisations to ensure the forum, which will be officially opened by Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan and attended by participants from more than eight countries, is executed at an international standard of excellence.

"Preparations are progressing well. In collaboration with the leadership of the Arusha Region, we are committed to making this event unique and of international caliber, especially as it has been further honoured by Her Excellency the President, who will open the forum and launch the NeST System," stated Mr. Simba.

"Public procurement stakeholders have a significant event to look forward to. We want East Africa and the world to recognize that Tanzania is hosting a major event on digitalization for sustainable public procurement, where all participants can enjoy the environment, discussions, and the many wonderful aspects of Tanzania," Mr. Simba added.

Ms. Mwakatobe, Managing Director of AICC, emphasized that the management of the institution is committed to ensuring that the conference venue and other services are maintained at the highest standards at all times, as their goal is to bring the world to Tanzania.

The meeting was also attended by other senior officials from both institutions, who collectively expressed their satisfaction with the preparations and urged prospective participants to register through tsms.ppra.go.tz. They emphasized the importance of completing the necessary payments to ensure confirmation, as attendee slots are limited and highly sought after.

The theme of the 16^th East African Public Procurement Forum is "Digitalization for Sustainable Public Procurement."