BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, September 3, 2026: For the fifth consecutive year, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB / the Bank) is providing procurement professionals from its nineteen Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) with an opportunity to access world-class training in public procurement through the Bank's scholarship programme. Qualified candidates are invited to apply for two fully funded scholarships to pursue the International Master in Public Procurement Management (IMPPM) at the University of Rome Tor Vergata in Italy for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The scholarships form part of CDB’s ongoing commitment to strengthening public financial management systems across the Caribbean by building procurement capacity, advancing the professionalisation of the public procurement workforce, and promoting the adoption of internationally recognised best practices.

Mrs. Naomi Akoy-Bouguenon, Acting Division Chief, Procurement Policy Division at CDB, highlighted the strategic value of the initiative.

"Strong public procurement systems are essential to achieving sustainable development outcomes and ensuring value for money in the use of public resources. Through this scholarship programme, CDB is investing in the professional development of procurement practitioners who will help modernise procurement systems, strengthen accountability and transparency, and advance sustainable and inclusive procurement practices across the Caribbean."

About the Scholarship

The IMPPM is globally recognised as one of the leading master’s programs in public procurement. It integrates sustainable and inclusive public procurement approaches, emphasising gender equality alongside key areas such as procurement strategy, legal frameworks, supply chain management, and ethical considerations.

Since its inception, the CDB scholarship has helped develop a growing network of procurement professionals across the Caribbean who are applying enhanced expertise to strengthen procurement systems, governance, and development effectiveness in their respective countries.

Application Details and Eligibility

The scholarship is open to citizens and/or residents of CDB BMCs, who hold a relevant Master's degree as a minimum qualification and have relevant work experience in procurement. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing public procurement practices in their respective countries.

The application process, including eligibility requirements, is detailed on the Bank’s website. The application deadline is October 3, 2026.

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