The wide-ranging report, based on insights from 281 senior procurement executives worldwide, reveals an industry in transition, with supply chain risk, AI-led transformation, and board-level integration emerging as key themes. For Africa, and South Africa in particular, the findings carry urgent implications.

“Procurement is no longer a support function. It is a strategic lever for resilience, innovation and responsible growth,” says Paul Vos, Regional Managing Director of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Southern Africa. “But for South African procurement professionals to keep pace globally, they must prioritise digital upskilling, strategic influence and ESG delivery, or risk being sidelined.”

One of the report’s most significant trends is the mainstreaming of AI in procurement. Over 83% of global respondents believe AI will increase operational efficiency, while 81% expect it to automate significant elements of the procurement process.

In contrast, investment in sustainability skills has dropped for the first time in recent years, signalling a shift in corporate priorities amid tighter budgets and rising automation.

“South African procurement teams must embrace AI tools, not just for efficiency, but for critical functions like tariff modelling, supplier diversification and dynamic inventory,” says Vos. “This is no longer experimental technology. It’s a competitive requirement.”

Geopolitical shocks are fuelling record levels of anxiety among procurement leaders, with supply chain disruption risk reaching its highest-ever level, according to the CIPS Pulse index. US-led protectionism, shipping instability and retaliatory tariffs are cited as key risk drivers.

South African organisations, heavily reliant on global imports and commodity exports, face heightened exposure to these trends.

“Now more than ever, South Africa must diversify supply chains, build digital resilience and localise procurement where possible,” Vos says. “Procurement professionals have a central role to play in helping companies weather the volatility.”

According to the report, 25% of procurement leaders now have a permanent seat on the main board, up from 20% last year. Strategic alignment between procurement and the C-suite is also increasing, particularly in organisations with over 5,000 employees.

Yet in South Africa, the profession’s visibility and influence at board level remains inconsistent.

“Procurement is the voice of value in many organisations globally,” Vos notes. “If South African professionals can adopt a more strategic mindset, backed by data, commercial fluency and leadership presence, we’ll see more of them stepping into C-level roles and driving national economic performance.”

Globally, procurement leaders are prioritising strategic thinking (47%), leadership (45%), and influencing skills (43%) as the top areas for professional growth in the coming year, a notable shift away from technical skills like contracting and negotiation.

Vos adds: “The demand is clear, leaders who can speak the language of strategy, risk and resilience are in short supply. It’s time South Africa produced more procurement professionals who are ready to lead, not just manage.”

The data is clear: procurement is evolving fast, and the opportunity for South Africa is significant. By investing in automation, leadership development and sustainable sourcing, the country’s procurement leaders can strengthen their economic impact and shape a more resilient future. The time to act is now.

About the Report

The CIPS Global State of Procurement & Supply 2025 report is based on a global survey of 281 senior procurement professionals from across six continents, representing organisations with a combined turnover of nearly $1 trillion. Released globally in May 2025 and supported by GEP, the report is considered a definitive benchmark for procurement’s strategic direction, skill priorities, and investment outlook. It is widely referenced by multinationals, boards, and government entities seeking to understand emerging trends in procurement.

You can download the report here

Paul Vos, Regional Managing Director of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Southern Africa