PRAZ Aligns 2025 Strategy With NDS2 To Bolster Transparency And Economic Inclusion

The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) has reaffirmed its commitment to aligning national public procurement processes with the goals of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), as the organisation charts its 2025 strategic direction. The focus is on enhancing transparency, strengthening governance, and advancing digital transformation to improve efficiency and inclusivity in public procurement.

Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Strategy Workshop in Kariba, PRAZ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Clever Ruswa, lauded the dedication of staff and development partners over the past five years. He noted that their collaborative efforts had led to critical milestones under the 2021–2025 Strategy. These include improved client and employee satisfaction, enhanced compliance with procurement regulations, and significant strides in digitalising procurement processes.

“We have made commendable progress, but the journey continues,” Dr. Ruswa said. “As we align with NDS2, it is imperative that we strengthen our regulatory frameworks, embrace innovation, and remain steadfast in promoting transparency and accountability across all public sectors.”

Central to the next phase of development is the accelerated implementation of the electronic Government Procurement (eGP) system, which is expected to be fully operational by 2026. The eGP is designed to promote transparency, reduce corruption risks, and streamline procurement processes across government departments and agencies.

Dr. Ruswa further emphasised the strategic importance of operationalising the Southern Africa Public Procurement Training Academy (SAPPTA), which was recently endorsed at the 5th African Public Procurement Network (APPN) General Assembly. The academy is set to serve as a continental hub for professional training in public procurement, bolstering Zimbabwe’s leadership in procurement capacity building across the region.

“As we transition into a new strategic phase, we must remain committed to excellence, ethical conduct, and innovation,” Dr Ruswa added. “Our procurement system must not only be efficient, but also inclusive and accountable, in line with the national vision of achieving macroeconomic stability and broad-based development.”

The workshop, attended by senior PRAZ officials, government representatives, and development partners, comes at a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to improve public sector governance and stimulate economic growth through prudent resource management.

With the integration of NDS2 principles, PRAZ aims to play a pivotal role in fostering public trust and facilitating economic transformation through a procurement system that supports local industry, safeguards public funds, and ensures fair competition.

The 2025 Strategy Workshop marks a crucial moment for PRAZ as it seeks to build on past achievements while laying the groundwork for a more robust, digitally empowered, and inclusive procurement framework that aligns with national economic goals.