Online Reporter
Judith Phiri in Kadoma
THE Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe) has adopted artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance the electronic Government Procurement system, as part of broader efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in public procurement.
Officially launched by President Mnangagwa in October 2023, the eGP system became operational on January 1, 2024, to enable all public entities and bidders to conduct procurement activities electronically.
Globally, AI in procurement uses advanced algorithms to automate repetitive tasks, analyse large datasets for insights into spend and supplier performance, and improve strategic decision-making, among other things, which has resulted in procurement functions becoming more strategic and data-driven.
Speaking at the Public Procurement Second National Media Training in Kadoma on Wednesday, PRAZ information communication technology director, Mr Freddy Ndhlovu, said they have adopted AI as part of the current initiatives to enhance the eGP system.
“We have adopted Al through chatbots/virtual assistants, Al-assisted bid evaluation for speed and accuracy. This is key to enhancing transparency in public procurement, ensuring value for money and increasing confidence/building trust in the public procurement processes among others,” he said.
“However, the human element is also still there. Even though we are working on an AI initiative and before we have implemented it on certain processes, some things the system can not currently do, so the human element is still relevant.”
On other initiatives, he said, through capacity building, they continue training procurement officers, evaluators and suppliers on using the system.
Mr Ndhlovu said there were integration efforts, with PRAZ linking e-GP with payment systems, the tax system and the deeds and companies registry.
He added: “On supplier engagement, we have outreach programmes and helpdesk support to onboard more suppliers. We are also enhancing policy and regulatory alignment as we are working on eGP regulations and updating procurement regulations to enforce e-GP adoption.”
Mr Ndhlovu said other initiatives, which were short-term plans, include the launch of a mobile-friendly version for wider accessibility and conducting targeted training in underrepresented regions.
He said they have also done a full integration with national financial management systems, while also advancing analytics for detecting fraud and improving policy decisions, as well as continuous enhancement based on user feedback.
Mr Ndhlovu said, “I challenge the media to continue to be watchdogs to ensure the successful implementation of the eGP system. There is also public engagement through open data and a feedback mechanism for irregularities. Media and everyone should actively participate, monitor and report observations. The eGP system is there to ensure transparency, efficiency, cost effectiveness, trust and accountable Government procurement.”
He said the eGP has been critical in compliance and standardisation, built-in compliance checks and standard templates for consistent documentation.
While it has also contributed to process efficiency and automation for reduced procurement cycle times through automation of tendering, evaluation and award processes.
“There is elimination of redundant manual steps, reducing paperwork and administrative overhead. Faster bid submissions and evaluations. It has also ensured cost savings by lowering operational costs for both the Government and suppliers (printing, courier, travel). We are also seeing better price competition due to wider supplier participation.”
