Zimbabwe’s Electronic Government Procurement (eGP) system has been hailed as more than just a technological upgrade, it is a bold demonstration of the Government’s commitment to efficiency, fairness, and transparency in the management of public funds.
This was highlighted at the 2025 Public Procurement Electronic Government Procurement Summit, officially opened yesterday in Masvingo by the Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Kudakwashe Mnangagwa. He stressed that the system is a transformative tool aimed at eradicating inefficiencies and fostering public confidence in procurement processes.
“eGP is not the sole domain of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) or procurement officers. It involves the active participation of ICT specialists, auditors, risk management officers, monitoring and evaluation officers, and heads of procurement management units. To our ICT specialists, you are the architects and custodians of the eGP’s digital infrastructure. Your vigilance against cyber threats and commitment to system stability are indispensable to maintaining trust and functionality,” he said.
Launched in 2023, the eGP system was designed to replace Zimbabwe’s traditional paper-based procurement system, which was slow, costly, and prone to abuse. By centralising tendering, standardising procedures across ministries, and enabling real-time monitoring of contracts, the system enhances accountability while reducing opportunities for corruption.
Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) Chief Executive Officer, Clever Ruswa, emphasised that eGP aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader development vision. He described it as an institutional reform that reinforces political will and the country’s ability to uphold world-class standards of transparency and accountability.
“The benefits of this digital transition extend far beyond operational efficiency; they touch upon our core national values and global responsibilities. It champions sustainability by drastically reducing the paper and consumables used in traditional procurement. It minimises our carbon footprint through less fuel consumption and reduced travel times for our suppliers and officials,” Ruswa explained.
He added that the eGP system also promotes inclusivity, enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from across the country to participate more easily in public procurement. By lowering barriers to entry, the system ensures a broader and fairer distribution of opportunities, in line with the Government’s empowerment agenda.
The summit brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to assess progress and discuss implementation challenges. Participants agreed that the eGP is expected to streamline procurement, improve accountability, and cement public trust in Government spending.
As Zimbabwe continues rolling out the system nationwide, the emphasis remains on continuous improvement, capacity building, and ensuring that all stakeholders from suppliers to Government departments, fully embrace the digital platform. The eGP system stands as a testament to Zimbabwe’s resolve to modernise governance structures, reduce corruption, and deliver better services to citizens.
