LIVE: PRAZ 4th Annual Public Procurement Symposium kicks off in Bulawayo

The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) is hosting the 4th Annual Public Procurement Symposium in Bulawayo.

Running under the theme: “Beyond Compliance: Strategic Thinking for the Modern Procurement Professional”, the two day symposium will delve into how procurement can evolve from a compliance-focused function to a strategic enabler for organizations.

Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima is set to deliver a keynote address. Also expected to give remarks are PRAZ CEO and Africa Public Procurement Network President Dr Clever Ruswa, Past President IPMZ, HR Director Schweppes Zimbabwe Dr Philimon Chitagu, Procurement Supply specialist, UN SDG Peace Ambassador Professor Robert Tay, Director operations, e-Government Unit, Office of the President and Cabinet Ms Susan Kachote and the Chief Executive Officer of 5G Technologies Dr Fredrick Mandizvidza.

Zimpapers Business Hub reporter Judith Phiri and Photograoher Obey Sibanda will be giving live updates of the event.

Procurement must drive national transformation — Prof Mavima

PROCUREMENT professionals must adopt strategic thinking, uphold ethical standards and embrace innovation to transform Zimbabwe’s procurement systems in line with national goals, a Cabinet Minister has said.

Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima

Speaking during his keynote address at the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) 4th Annual Public Procurement Symposium, Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima, said the evolving global landscape demands core skills and competencies in the procurement sector.

“In the current era of rapid technological advancement and globalisation, as well as evolving market dynamics, it is very important that people in the procurement profession embrace a set of core skills and competences,” said Prof Mavima.

He said such skills would enable professionals to navigate the ever-changing procurement environment.

“As indicated in the theme for the conference, strategic thinking is essential. Procurement professionals must not only focus on cost-saving measures but also anticipate future plans, assess risks and align their decisions with the long-term objectives of their organisations,” he said.

Prof Mavima said Zimbabwe had enough skilled procurement officers to influence practices in the private sector. He, however, warned against corruption in the profession.

“The procurement profession is not a platform for self-enrichment but there to ensure they play a crucial role in sourcing, negotiating and managing relationships with suppliers, ensuring their organisations receive the best value while maintaining quality and compliance,” said the Minister.

He emphasised the need to build systems that serve the people.

“For us in the public service, it’s an alignment with the aspirations of the nation now defined within the context of Vision 2030. Also clearly articulated in the NDS1 and will also be clearly articulated in the forthcoming NDS2,” said Prof Mavima.

He said professional procurement skills were key in ensuring the country meets global procurement standards.

The Minister said discussions during the two-day symposium should focus on improving procurement systems in Zimbabwe, adding that his Ministry and others were committed to supporting the sector.

Prof Mavima called for collaboration, insight-sharing, and a shift from mere compliance to meaningful impact.

He also urged procurement professionals to uphold ethical standards and declared the symposium officially opened.

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