Nqobile Bhebhe
THE government has pledged its unwavering support to the African Public Procurement Network (APPN) in launching innovative programs aimed at strengthening and enhancing public procurement systems, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga said today.
He was speaking at a handover ceremony where Zimbabwe assumed the presidency of the continental procurement network.
The new APPN president is the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) chief executive officer, Dr Clever Ruswa, who takes over from Ms Joyeuse Uwingeneye.
This development highlights PRAZ’s role as a pacesetter in Africa for public procurement benchmarking, demonstrating good corporate governance and a commitment to corruption-free procurement.
Dr Chiwenga expressed gratitude to Ms Uwingeneye for her dedication, integrity, and steadfast commitment to improving public procurement practices across the continent.
“Under your guidance, we have seen significant strides in advancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in our procurement processes.
“These tireless efforts have set an exemplary standard for all of us, and we are profoundly grateful for the invaluable contributions you have made to this network and to the continent as a whole. Thank you for your exceptional service and for laying such a strong foundation for your successor,” he said.
Dr Chiwenga also expressed confidence in the leadership of the new APPN president, Dr Ruswa, highlighting his impressive track record in public administration and his vision for fostering innovation in procurement systems.
“We are eager to work alongside him as he leverages his expertise and passion to drive the agenda of the African Public Procurement Network forward.
” 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. Public procurement constitutes the backbone of government expenditure, directly influencing critical aspects of our national development agenda.”
He emphasised that when effectively managed, procurement can stimulate local economies by enhancing infrastructure, healthcare, and education, while also supporting small and medium enterprises and generating millions of jobs.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr Ruswa acknowledge the unwavering support from the Government saying it is a clear sign of a political will to pursue the agenda of public procurement.
He urged all APPN members to secure political buy-in from their respective governments to ensure that the network work in one direction and in one voice.
“Hon Vice President and APPN members, as I assume this role, 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 maximize its impact, we must ensure that procurement practitioners are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethical standards to navigate the complexities of our field,” he said.
As Zimbabwe assumes the APPN presidency, Dr Chiwenga reaffirmed the government’s commitment to launching innovative programs that strengthen and enhance public procurement systems.
Established in 2018 in Lomé, Togo, where it is headquartered, APPN aims to promote development and regional integration through active cooperation among its members to improve public procurement.
The network serves as a sustainable learning and networking platform for its members.
Zimbabwe’s presidency is expected to strengthen regional collaboration, promote best practices in public procurement, and pave the way for improved governance and economic resilience across Africa.
Expectations are high that this leadership role will be leveraged to drive progress and innovation in the procurement landscape.
