The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recently introduced major procurement reforms that are reshaping how development contracts are awarded across Asia and the Pacific. Beginning in 2026, the traditional lowest evaluated bid strategy has been replaced with a more comprehensive assessment system that now focuses on quality, technical capability, sustainability, innovation and long-term development impact. As a result, all internationally advertised ADB-financed contracts for works, non-consulting services, and goods will now be evaluated using the Merit Point Criteria.
At the same time, ADB’s Strategy 2030 Midterm Review has reinforced the bank’s commitment to addressing five of the region’s most pressing development issues: climate action, private sector development, regional cooperation and public goods, digital transformation, and resilience and empowerment. These priorities will shape future investments, procurement opportunities, and business engagement across the region.
To help organizations to navigate these changes, DevelopmentAid, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, invites consulting firms, NGOs, suppliers, contractors, and individual consultants to join the webinar “Doing Business with ADB in 2026: Procurement Updates, Opportunities, and Best Practices”, which will take place on Thursday, July 9, at 4 pm (Brussels) / 10 am (Washington, DC).
Key takeaways:
- Understand ADB’s procurement priorities for 2026 and how these could affect suppliers, contractors, and consultants
- Dive into the latest procurement policy updates and their implications for bidders
- Discover best practices to prepare competitive bids and proposals that meet the ADB’s requirements
- Get an early overview of ADB’s 14th ADB Business Opportunities Fair 2026
- Engage with the ADB representatives via an interactive Q&A session
Speakers
Sharlene Shillingford-Mcklmon, Principal Procurement Specialist at ADB
Sharlene Shillingford-Mcklmon is a Principal Procurement Specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). She is currently the Procurement Sector Lead for Agriculture, Food, Nature and Rural Development, as well as Team Leader on Business Outreach. She was previously assigned to the South Asia Transport portfolio and was resident procurement specialist at ADB’s Bangladesh Resident Mission. Prior to ADB, she was Fiduciary Procurement Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, D.C., U.S.A., where she was part of the IDB Country Systems Team. Sharlene also served the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in various capacities for more than 7 years, including as Deputy Program Manager – Government Procurement Reform, where she led the development of the Caribbean Regional Procurement Policy. She started her career as Political Affairs Officer with the Office of the Eastern Caribbean States in Ottawa, Canada. She has an L.L.M in Corporate Law from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Toronto.
Bisma Husen, Principal Procurement Specialist and Transport Sector Lead at ADB
Host
Ion Ilasco, External Relations & Events at DevelopmentAid
