Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve
Victoria Falls Reporter
GOVERNMENT is committed to creating an enabling environment where public procurement processes are transparent, efficient and responsive to the needs of citizens Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has said.
Addressing delegates at the Fifth General Assembly of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN) in Victoria Falls yesterday, VP Chiwenga said political will was key to transforming procurement systems across the continent.
“It is through the unwavering commitment from our Governments that public procurement is utilised as a vital instrument for economic development, transparency and accountability,” he said.
The Vice President highlighted that in Zimbabwe, public procurement accounted for approximately 17 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), serving as a crucial mechanism for delivering public services and driving economic growth.
He said the establishment of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) was a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to upholding high standards in procurement practices.
“This agency does not just regulate, it actively promotes professionalism within the sector,” he said.
The two-day conference is running under the theme: “Transforming Public Procurement in Africa Through Innovation, Inclusion, Sustainability and Regional Collaboration”, and has drawn delegates from across the continent to discuss strategies for improving public procurement systems.
VP Chiwenga said the professionalisation of procurement was essential for enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of the entire system.
“We must ensure that procurement professionals are equipped with the knowledge, skills and ethical standards necessary to navigate the complexities of modern procurement,” he said.
“By investing in capacity building and rigorous training, we can cultivate skilled professionals who will be true drivers of innovation and improved service delivery in our communities.”
VP Chiwenga also emphasised the need to embrace technology in procurement processes, saying it was no longer optional but essential.
“In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, integrating digital technologies, e-procurement systems and sophisticated data analytics is no longer optional, it is absolutely essential,” he added.
“These innovations enhance transparency, significantly reduce inefficiencies and actively mitigate corruption. By harnessing technology, we can streamline procurement processes enabling us to deliver public services more effectively and at speed,” he said.
VP Chiwenga urged the delegates to align their procurement strategies with Africa’s Agenda 2063, a blueprint for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse.
“Our procurement policies must be a direct reflection of this vision, actively contributing to the socio-economic transformation of our nations,” he said.
He said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents unique opportunities to enhance procurement practices across the continent.
“We must work collectively to eliminate trade barriers, dismantle protectionist approaches and create a seamless environment for cross-border procurement.
“This strategic process will not only benefit our national economies but will promote regional collaboration and mutual growth,” he said.
VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe has proactively aligned its procurement policies with regional and continental frameworks, focusing on robust inclusivity to ensure that marginalised groups including women, youth, and small to medium enterprises have equitable access to procurement opportunities.
“This conscious approach not only fosters economic participation but significantly contributes to social cohesion and stability,” he said.
VP Chiwenga, however, acknowledged that public procurement still faced significant challenges, notably corruption, inefficiency, lack of transparency and insufficient institutional capacity.
“These issues often hinder the effective allocation of resources and tragically undermine public trust,” he said.
To address these challenges, VP Chiwenga said there was a need to implement robust regulatory frameworks that promote transparency and accountability, invest in the professionalism of procurement personnel and embrace digital technologies.
“Furthermore, fostering robust collaboration among governments, civil society and the private sector will forge a more inclusive procurement environment, ensuring the benefits of public spending reach all segments of society,” he said.
VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe had played a pivotal role in advancing the APPN’s agenda by spearheading a series of transformative webinars that fostered regional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
“Zimbabwe’s tenure as President of the African Public Procurement Network has laid the groundwork for a skilled workforce committed to maintaining the integrity and efficiency of procurement systems across the continent,” he said.
VP Chiwenga said the APPN General Assembly presented a strategic opportunity to accelerate the transformation of public procurement in Africa.
“By harnessing political will, embracing professionalism, leveraging the power of technology and promoting regional collaboration, we as procurement leaders can and must put in place systems that are resilient, transparent and future-ready,” he said.
VP Chiwenga also thanked the outgoing APPN president, Dr Clever Ruswa, for a job well done and wished the incoming leadership a fruitful and impactful tenure.
The APPN General Assembly ends today with elections for the next president and executive committee.
