Zim champions innovative procurement

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

---

 VICE President Dr Constantino Chiwenga (centre) flanked by Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA) director-general Ms Joyeuse Uwingeneye (left) and Public Procurement Authority of Zimbabwe (PRPPA) chief executive officer Dr Clever Ruswa at his Munhumutapa Offices in Harare yesterday. — Picture: Charles Muchakagara

Mukudzei Chingwere, Herald Reporter

ZIMBABWE’s assumption of the presidency of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN) marks a pivotal moment in the country’s transition to innovative methods, reinforcing the notion that public procurement is the cornerstone of Government expenditure, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.

VP Chiwenga yesterday witnessed the handover of the APPN presidency in Harare where the chief executive officer of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), Dr Clever Ruswa, assumed the reins, taking over from Ms Joyeuse Uwingeneye of Rwanda.

As global supply chains evolve and the importance of resilient economies becomes paramount, Zimbabwe’s leadership in the APPN positions it as a key player in shaping procurement policies that can elevate the continent’s economic profile.

The opportunity to lead such an influential network underscores the importance of Zimbabwe’s role in regional affairs, highlighting the interconnectedness of African nations in pursuing shared prosperity.

During the handover, VP Chiwenga articulated a vision that goes beyond traditional bureaucratic processes, stressing the vital role of procurement in driving sustainable economic growth and development across Africa.

“We are eager to work alongside Dr Ruswa as he leverages his expertise and passion to drive the agenda of the African Public Procurement Network forward,” said VP Chiwenga.

“In embracing this new leadership, we are reminded that public procurement is not merely a bureaucratic process, it is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable economic growth and development across our continent”.

VICE President Dr Constantino Chiwenga (center) flanked by outgoing Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA) Director General, Uwingeneye Joyeuse (left) and incoming Public Procurement Authority (RPPA) Dr Clever Ruswa during the APPN presidency handover ceremony at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare yesterday- Picture: Charles Muchakagara

Public procurement, he said, constitutes the backbone of Government expenditure, directly influencing critical aspects of Zimbabwe’s national development agenda.

“When effectively managed, it can stimulate local economies by enhancing infrastructure, healthcare and education, while also supporting small and medium enterprises and generating millions of jobs,” said VP Chiwenga.

He expressed the Government’s unwavering commitment to launching innovative programmes aimed at strengthening procurement systems, ensuring they are responsive to the needs of the populace and the demands of modern governance.

“As Zimbabwe assumes the Presidency of the African Public Procurement Network, I want to assure you of our unwavering commitment to launching innovative programmes aimed at strengthening and enhancing public procurement systems.

“With these remarks, I extend my best wishes to the incoming leadership as we embark on this exciting new chapter in the African Public Procurement Network,” said VP Chiwenga.

Dr Ruswa acknowledged the unwavering support from the Government of Zimbabwe, in a clear sign of a political will to pursue the agenda of public procurement.

“I urge all APPN members to secure political buy-in from their respective Governments so that we all pull in one direction and in one voice,” he said. “My vision is firmly anchored in the professionalisation of the procurement profession across Africa. We recognise that procurement is a vital driver of economic development and social progress”.

To maximise the impact of procurement, Dr Ruswa said, Africa must ensure that procurement practitioners are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and ethical standards to navigate the complexities of the field.

“In pursuing this vision, I am committed to advocating for sustainable procurement practices that prioritise not only economic efficiency but also environmental stewardship and social responsibility,”he said.

Ms Uwingeneye commended Zimbabwe’s potential, expressing confidence that the country would build upon the successes achieved during her tenure.

She said the main purpose of the APPN is to provide a platform for learning and networking to public procurement policy makers, regulators and practitioners of its member countries.

“During the year 2024, we have managed to record some good performance and I would like to mention some.

“We managed to have eight knowledge sharing sessions and these gathered almost 2 000 participants,” said Ms    Uwingeneye.