LIVE: PRAZ 4th Annual Public Procurement Symposium kicks off in Bulawayo

The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) is hosting the 4th Annual Public Procurement Symposium in Bulawayo.

Running under the theme: “Beyond Compliance: Strategic Thinking for the Modern Procurement Professional”, the two day symposium will delve into how procurement can evolve from a compliance-focused function to a strategic enabler for organizations.

Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima is set to deliver a keynote address. Also expected to give remarks are PRAZ CEO and Africa Public Procurement Network President Dr Clever Ruswa, Past President IPMZ, HR Director Schweppes Zimbabwe Dr Philimon Chitagu, Procurement Supply specialist, UN SDG Peace Ambassador Professor Robert Tay, Director operations, e-Government Unit, Office of the President and Cabinet Ms Susan Kachote and the Chief Executive Officer of 5G Technologies Dr Fredrick Mandizvidza.

Zimpapers Business Hub reporter Judith Phiri and Photograoher Obey Sibanda will be giving live updates of the event.

UPDATE :

Procurement key to sustainability: Bulawayo Minister of State Judith Ncube

In her welcome remarks at the PRAZ 4th Annual Public Procurement Symposium, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube represented by deputy director Mrs Gladys Zizhou, said the events plays a critical role in advancing procurement in the country.

**Deputy director Mrs Gladys Zizhou, representing Bulawayo Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube.**

“As Bulawayo we thank PRAZ for bringing this event to the city. Procurement professionals play a vital role in procurement which has evolved from its traditional confines.”

She said into today’s rapidly changing business landscape, procurement played a critical role in driving value and sustainability.

UPDATE :

Procurement must embrace innovation, ethics — PRAZ CEO Dr Clever Ruswa

PROCUREMENT professionals must align their practices with organisational goals, embrace innovation and uphold ethical standards to deliver long-term value, the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) has said.

Giving opening remarks at the PRAZ 4th Annual Public Procurement Symposium, PRAZ chief executive officer Mr Clever Ruswa said it was critical for the profession to evolve and respond to modern challenges.

“As you do your work, you need to leverage digital tools and technologies such as the electronic Government Procurement (eGP) system, foster collaboration, and build resilient supply chains,” said Mr Ruswa.

He said procurement experts should not lose sight of ethical and sustainable practices.

“As procurement professionals, we have a responsibility to ensure that our actions support compliance and long-term value creation,” he said.

Mr Ruswa said this required forward-thinking approaches, asking difficult questions, and seeking inclusive solutions.

Throughout the symposium, Mr Ruswa said delegates would explore emerging trends and innovations in the procurement space.

“We will discuss how to bridge the gap between compliance and value creation, and how we can empower ourselves to drive impactful change,” he said.

He said building a strong professional community that is not afraid to challenge the status quo was essential in advancing the sector.

UPDATE :

Procurement must drive national transformation — Prof Mavima

PROCUREMENT professionals must adopt strategic thinking, uphold ethical standards and embrace innovation to transform Zimbabwe’s procurement systems in line with national goals, a Cabinet Minister has said.

**Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima**

Speaking during his keynote address at the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) 4th Annual Public Procurement Symposium, Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima, said the evolving global landscape demands core skills and competencies in the procurement sector.

“In the current era of rapid technological advancement and globalisation, as well as evolving market dynamics, it is very important that people in the procurement profession embrace a set of core skills and competences,” said Prof Mavima.

He said such skills would enable professionals to navigate the ever-changing procurement environment.

“As indicated in the theme for the conference, strategic thinking is essential. Procurement professionals must not only focus on cost-saving measures but also anticipate future plans, assess risks and align their decisions with the long-term objectives of their organisations,” he said.

Prof Mavima said Zimbabwe had enough skilled procurement officers to influence practices in the private sector. He, however, warned against corruption in the profession.

“The procurement profession is not a platform for self-enrichment but there to ensure they play a crucial role in sourcing, negotiating and managing relationships with suppliers, ensuring their organisations receive the best value while maintaining quality and compliance,” said the Minister.

He emphasised the need to build systems that serve the people.

“For us in the public service, it’s an alignment with the aspirations of the nation now defined within the context of Vision 2030. Also clearly articulated in the NDS1 and will also be clearly articulated in the forthcoming NDS2,” said Prof Mavima.

He said professional procurement skills were key in ensuring the country meets global procurement standards.

The Minister said discussions during the two-day symposium should focus on improving procurement systems in Zimbabwe, adding that his Ministry and others were committed to supporting the sector.

Prof Mavima called for collaboration, insight-sharing, and a shift from mere compliance to meaningful impact.

He also urged procurement professionals to uphold ethical standards and declared the symposium officially opened.

UPDATE :

Tech, ethics reshape future of procurement — Ghana expert

PROCUREMENT is no longer just about compliance but is fast becoming a strategic function driven by technology, ethics, and global supply chain dynamics, a visiting Ghanaian expert has said.

**Ghana Ambassador Professor Robert Tay**

Delivering a presentation titled “From Compliance to Strategy: The Evolution of Procurement Roles” at the PRAZ 4th Annual Public Procurement Symposium, Ambassador Professor Robert Tay, Head of Procurement and Stores at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ghana, said risk management had become a critical pillar in modern procurement.

“High-profile supply chain disruptions demonstrated that procurement decisions could have significant implications for business continuity and financial performance,” he said.

He noted that organisations were increasingly adopting risk assessment tools such as supplier financial analysis, supply chain mapping, and contingency planning.

Amb Prof Tay said digital platforms were also transforming the procurement landscape by increasing efficiency and transparency.

“Cloud-based procurement platforms have democratised access to sophisticated procurement capabilities, enabling organisations of all sizes to implement best-in-class procurement processes,” he said.

He added that integrated tools for sourcing, contract and supplier management, along with procurement analytics, had improved visibility and control across organisations.

Amb Prof Tay said evolving expectations around ethics, transparency and sustainability were further expanding procurement’s role and visibility.

“Procurement decisions now impact corporate reputation and stakeholder relationships in addition to operational performance,” he said, adding that this had cemented procurement’s strategic position in institutions.