Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Online Reporter
THE Electronic Government Procurement (eGP) system, spearheaded by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), has achieved remarkable success in transforming public procurement processes, with 75 percent of annual procurement plans already approved for 2025—a leap from just 9 percent processed during the same period in 2024.
This was revealed by Dr Clever Ruswa, CEO of PRAZ and President of the Africa Public Procurement Network (APPN), while addressing delegates at the ongoing Strategy Execution Advisory Talks (SEAT) Africa Summit 2025 in Victoria Falls.
The summit is being held under the theme: Harnessing and Optimising Technology for Business Growth and Success.
The eGP system was launched in 2024 and has automated critical processes such as tender submissions, evaluations, and contract management, slashing bureaucratic delays and fostering competition.
Dr Ruswa said that the platform’s digital framework has enabled small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in procurement opportunities previously dominated by larger firms.
“Technology is no longer optional; it is a necessity. By harnessing eGP, we have reduced administrative burdens, accelerated decision-making, and built stakeholder trust through transparency. This system is a testament to Africa’s commitment to leveraging innovation for sustainable development and equitable growth,” said Dr Ruswa.
He said some of the key achievements of the system include 100 percent system uptime, ensuring uninterrupted access for procuring entities and suppliers.
“The system has achieved geographical equality, enabled remote bid submissions, and reduced carbon emissions through paperless processes. It has also enhanced fraud detection, with digital traceability curbing unethical practices,” said Dr Ruswa.
The eGP’s phased implementation, spanning onboarding, user testing, and live deployment, has also streamlined compliance.
“The system has improved public procurement in the country, with 75 percent of annual procurement plans having been approved to date for the year 2025. The same period in 2024 only 9 percent had been processed. The system has also achieved over 30 percent increase in bidder registrations on eGP for the first quarter of the two successive financial years (2024 and 2025),” said Dr Ruswa.
He said there are ongoing efforts to capacitate procurement professionals with requisite skills and integrate sustainability criteria aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“The time has come for Africa to fully embrace technology in public procurement. Through eGP, we are driving competitiveness, transparency, and a brighter future for the continent,” said Dr Ruswa.
