Transforming Procurement Practices in Zimbabwe: Embracing Innovation and Overcoming Challenges
Procurement professionals in Zimbabwe highlighted the significant progress and transformative changes taking place within the public procurement sector.
This was highlighted during the third Annual Public Procurement Symposium, held in Bulawayo on 30 to 31 July, which brought together industry experts who shared insights into the evolving landscape and the potential for further innovation.
The panel, comprising Director of Information and Communication Technology for the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ),Freddy Ndlovu, Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Procurement Manager,Mlungelwa Khumalo and a supply chain programs coordinator and lecturer at Lupane State University, Agnes Maradze shed light on the positive developments and the challenges faced in implementing innovative procurement practices.
One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the growing recognition of the procurement function as a strategic entity, rather than just an administrative arm of financial departments.
Ndlovu emphasised this shift, stating, “If you go some years back, procurement used to be just a wing of the financial function, but now we are recognising procurement as a profession. We’ve seen it grow in importance as well as in scope.”
This transformation has allowed procurement practitioners to participate in strategic discussions and provide valuable insights to decision-making processes.
Ndlovu further elaborated, “Right now we are involved in strategic issues. Procurement practitioners now are in a position to sit in meetings where strategic issues of the organisation are discussed, and they have an input in that regard.”
Maradze, the academic perspective, highlighted the trend towards sustainable procurement, signalling a move from a clerical procurement function to a more progressive and strategic one.
“Looking at academia, in terms of research, the trend is now moving on social procurement, where we’re no longer focusing on just purchasing, but now we’re moving on to social procurement,” she said.
The panel also discussed the emergence of innovative practices, such as the implementation of the electronic government procurement (EGP) system, which went live on January 1st.
Ndlovu shared insights into the system, which covers tender publication and award, with plans for subsequent phases to include e-evaluation, e-award, and contract management. The system aims to leverage data analytics, ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and improved decision-making.
However, the discussion also brought to light the challenges associated with implementing these innovative approaches.
The Bulawayo City Council Procurement Manager, Khumalo highlighted the shortage of resources, both in terms of human capital and equipment, as a significant barrier.
“The most significant challenge that we are facing in implementing the innovative EGP system is that we have, as procuring entities, a serious shortage of resources. That’s the most significant barrier to implementation of the system,” Khumalo said.
The lack of adequate staffing, with some entities employing only one procurement officer, inhibits the segregation of duties and adds an administrative burden on procurement practitioners. Furthermore, the shortage of equipment, such as computers, and poor internet connectivity pose challenges in fully embracing the EGP system.
Khumalo emphasised the need for strategic investments, stating, “Serious investments need to be made maybe in that regard so that at least we are well equipped for this system.”
Despite these challenges, the panel discussion underscored the potential for procurement practitioners to drive positive change within their organisations. As Maradze highlighted, procurement professionals are equipped with knowledge of sustainability and market dynamics, allowing them to advocate for environmentally friendly, socially conscious, and economically viable procurement decisions.
The panel discussion in Bulawayo showcased the progress and challenges within the public procurement sector in Zimbabwe. While significant strides have been made towards incorporating innovation and adapting to the evolving landscape, key barriers, such as limited resources, continue to pose obstacles.
However, with strategic investments and a proactive mindset, procurement practitioners in Zimbabwe have the potential to reshape their organisations and contribute to the sustainable development and increased efficiency of their operations.
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