As procurement continues to evolve from a transactional support function into a strategic lever, a stark question emerges: does Africa have the talent needed to meet the demands of 2030 and beyond?
As it stands, the answer is unfortunately “no”. In South Africa alone, more than 60% of companies cite skills gaps as a key barrier to business transformation by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) Future of Jobs Report 2025, released earlier this year. These findings mirror global concerns. A survey of 111 procurement leaders by analyst firm Gartner found that fewer than one in five respondents believe they have adequate talent to meet future needs.
According to Paul Vos, Regional Managing Director of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Southern Africa, procurement has long been a “default profession entered by accident rather than intention”.
“While this has created a pool of practical experience, it has also exposed a lack of structured learning pathways, early-career awareness, and critical technical skills,” Vos says.
Although procurement’s strategic value has gained recognition in boardrooms globally – especially in the wake of supply chain disruptions, Environment, Sustainability and Governance (ESG) pressures, and geopolitical volatility – African organisations are still playing catch-up. Vos notes that while there may be pockets of excellence across the continent, the talent landscape is broadly patchy and under pressure. Many professionals may bring operational strength to the table but lack the digital literacy, strategic thinking, and commercial acumen required in today’s environment.
Among the most critical skills in short supply are data literacy and digital fluency (especially in AI and automation), strategic and risk-based decision-making, strong negotiation, change leadership, and ethical courage. The sector also suffers from a lack of visibility among young professionals. Procurement remains largely invisible in early education, with few school-leavers or graduates aware of its potential as a career.
“We need a better story to tell,” Vos says. “Procurement isn’t just paperwork and price comparisons – it’s a career of purpose and impact, and we need the next generation to see that.”
Vos says changing the narrative must be driven by all stakeholders – from educators to employers – and it must start now. It is imperative to embed procurement in education systems, from high school to postgraduate levels. At the same time, industry and government must work more closely together to align on skills development and workforce strategies.
“We need to focus on strengthening the professionalisation of procurement across all sectors and celebrate innovation and leadership through high-profile awards that shift perceptions and attract talent,” Vos adds.
CIPS will be playing its part when it hosts its CIPSConnect & Engage Conference at Johannesburg’s Houghton Hotel from 6-7 August. The event will put future leaders and procurement skills development at the centre of its agenda.
“This is a platform to inspire, connect, and validate procurement talent,” Vos says. “It elevates African excellence and challenges outdated perceptions of the profession.”
“Procurement has the power to drive change – across supply chains, sustainability, and economies. But only if we invest in the people who lead it. The future is coming fast, and we need to be ready.”
