Women in Procurement Conference 2026 kicks off

Judith Phiri in Nyanga

THE Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) Women in Procurement Conference 2026 has commenced in Nyanga, with a strong focus on empowering women, building capacity and increasing their participation in public procurement.

The two-day event is being held under the theme “Driving Value and Impact” and coincides with Women’s Month, a period dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements while addressing persistent gaps in equality and inclusion.

Attorney General Virginia Mabiza is set to deliver the keynote address as Guest of Honour. She made history as Zimbabwe’s first female Attorney General following her appointment in November 2023 and is widely recognised for her expertise in criminal and civil litigation, legislative drafting and constitutional governance.

The conference has drawn a diverse line-up of speakers, including PRAZ chief executive officer Clever Ruswa, Ministry of Women Affairs official Julia Mapungwana, Lupane State University academic Sibongile Manzini and PRAZ board member Roseline Nhamo.

Other speakers include Jasmine Howera, Queen Masocha, E Tandi and Brenda Mamvura, among others.

Deliberations at the conference will focus on key issues affecting women in procurement, including barriers to participation, emerging procurement trends, digital procurement systems, artificial intelligence tools, and data-driven decision-making. Discussions will also cover environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, ethical sourcing, document management and mental wellness in high-pressure procurement roles.

Globally, women now account for an estimated 38 to 40 percent of procurement roles, with increasing representation in leadership positions. This growth has been driven by gender-responsive procurement policies, sustainability initiatives and efforts to promote sourcing from women-owned businesses.

The conference is expected to generate practical solutions and strategies to enhance women’s participation and leadership in procurement, both locally and across the region.