Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
THE introduction of the National Standard Price List earlier this year has been described as a transformative move that has empowered procuring entities, ensuring they are not overcharged by suppliers while getting value for money in public procurement.
Speaking at the 5th Annual Public Procurement Conference held in Victoria Falls, PRAZ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Clever Ruswa, said the guide on the price range of goods and services is intended to prevent stakeholders from being overcharged by suppliers.
Dr Ruswa made these remarks while reflecting on the implementation progress of resolutions from the previous conference, particularly Resolution 6, which focused on capacitating practitioners on the implications of currency reforms.
“Earlier this year we introduced the National Standard Price List, which is a guide on price range of goods and services procured in public procurement,” said Dr Ruswa.
“This will be reviewed at regular intervals, and we implore you stakeholders to adopt this model in your institutions and avoid being overcharged by suppliers.”
The PRAZ CEO emphasised that procurement success depends on clarity of guidance, adherence to regulations, and consistent contract execution.
He said the capacitation of practitioners on the operational implications of currency reforms on procurement processes has been essential in this regard.
The conference, running under the theme “Public Procurement as a Strategic Catalyst: Driving Inclusion and Sustainable Economic Transformation,” brought together accounting officers, procurement practitioners, representatives from development partners, the private sector, academia, and professional bodies.
Dr Ruswa also highlighted that the government recently issued a Procurement circular titled: Procurement Governance Across Procuring Entities, which implores procuring entities to adhere to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDPA) Act when conducting procurements under bilateral and multilateral agreements.
The circular further emphasised the deliberate stance for public procurement to support domestic industries while using the eGP system and the guidance of the National Standard Price List.
“The circular further implored on the deliberate stance for public procurement to support domestic industries while using the eGP system and the guidance of the National Standard Price List,” Dr Ruswa added.
The PRAZ CEO urged all stakeholders to explore the deeper contents of the circular on the PRAZ website and be guided accordingly. He also called upon conference delegates to treat the conference outputs as implementation instructions rather than mere takeaways.
The National Standard Price List is expected to play a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability, and value for money in Zimbabwe’s public procurement system, which is a key lever for national development outcomes including industrialisation, employment creation, and improved service delivery.
