Today, the Government, through the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDAA), has launched a two-day outreach seminar for the Business Community in South Sudan at the Grand Hotel, Juba.

Graced by the Deputy National Minister for Finance and Planning, Hon. Bec George, the seminar’s main objective is to enable the Business Community in South Sudan to participate more effectively in the business opportunities created by public procurement in South Sudan by registering with PPDAA as provided in the PPDA Act 2018. The seminar also aims to equip the corporate community with knowledge of the government’s procurement rules and procedures, and other public procurement mechanisms.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the mandate and values of the PPDAA. “As you may know, public procurement accounts for a substantial portion of the taxpayers’ money, and our government is expected to carry it out efficiently and with high standards of conduct to ensure high quality of service delivery and safeguard the public interest,” said the Minister.

Also, in attendance on the first day of the seminar was the Authority’s Chairman, Board of Directors, Hon. Ayii Bol Akol, who gave key updates on the progress made by the PPDAA. “I am happy to report that PPDAA has completed the preparation of the website, the tender portal, and an online Providers Registration System through the Tender Portal,” said the Honourable Chairperson.

According to the Chairperson, the creation of the Authority’s website has made it easy for the public to access documents online. “Now all Standard Bidding Documents and other guidelines are available to the public through the website”, he said. Through the tender portal, service providers will be able to view the Annual Procurement Plans of all Public Institutions. In addition, vendors and Service Providers will also be able to view advertised bid opportunities as well as awarded contracts, thus ensuring transparency in the procurement process. 
This seminar is supported by the World Bank through the Public Financial Management and Institutional Strengthening Project. The Acting Project Manager, Ms. Letiyo Kevin, attended today’s morning sessions