The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is deepening its investment in the professional development of procurement specialists across the region, recognising the sector’s pivotal role in achieving sustainable growth and development. With procurement increasingly viewed as a strategic driver of national progress rather than a mere compliance function, CDB is focusing on strengthening both people and systems to enhance public sector performance.
Acting Head of Procurement, Naomi Akoy-Bouguenon, underscored this shift while speaking at the XIX Annual Conference of the Inter-American Network on Government Procurement (INGP), stating:
“Procurement is no longer just about compliance – it’s about leadership, strategy, and impact. We are proud to support the transformation of procurement into a recognised profession, one that demands specialised skills, ethical standards, and a deep understanding of development goals.”
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At the heart of CDB’s efforts is a comprehensive approach to capacity building, combining scholarships, regional training, and collaborative partnerships with international institutions.
Through the Procurement Scholarship Programme, CDB has provided professionals across the Caribbean with the opportunity to pursue the International Master’s in Public Procurement Management (IMPPM) at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Co-financed with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), this initiative equips participants with advanced tools to modernise procurement systems and lead reform efforts in their respective countries.
Complementing this is the Caribbean Procurement Training Programme (CPTP), developed in partnership with the World Bank and the University of Technology, Jamaica (Utech). The programme offers Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Level 4 and 5 Diplomas, recognised internationally, and has already trained participants from more than 13 Caribbean nations.
“Professionalising procurement is not a luxury – it’s a necessity,” Akoy-Bouguenon added. “By investing in training and education, we are empowering procurement professionals to become agents of change, capable of delivering public value and driving inclusive growth.”
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CDB’s leadership also extends to fostering collaboration across Latin America and the Caribbean through its active participation in the Inter-American Network on Government Procurement (INGP). The network provides a regional platform for sharing best practices, policy tools, and innovations in procurement governance.
In 2025, the Bank sponsored 17 Caribbean procurement directors to attend the INGP Conference, offering them opportunities to exchange insights and explore cutting-edge developments in e-Government Procurement (e-GP). As the region embraces digital transformation and new technologies, CDB remains committed to ensuring that procurement professionals are fully prepared to adapt and lead.
Through sustained learning, regional cooperation, and targeted investment, the Caribbean Development Bank continues to build a community of skilled procurement leaders – shaping a future where public procurement drives transparency, efficiency, and measurable development impact across the region.
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