Zimbabwe is taking bold strides in promoting transparency and innovation in public procurement as it prepares to host the 5th General Assembly of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN) in Victoria Falls from November 11 to 14.
This high-level gathering, which brings together procurement regulators, policymakers, and experts from across the continent, comes at a time when Zimbabwe is pioneering digital transformation through its Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system, a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing accountability, efficiency, and transparency in public spending.
According to Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Clever Ruswa, the country’s hosting of this prestigious event is a major vote of confidence in its leadership and commitment to institutional reform.
“As the current president of APPN, Zimbabwe’s stewardship reflects its dedication to strengthening governance structures and fostering innovation across Africa’s procurement landscape,” he said.
Running under the theme “Transforming Public Procurement in Africa through Innovation, Inclusion, Sustainability, and Regional Collaboration,” the conference will explore ways to accelerate reforms that promote good governance, inclusivity, and sustainable economic growth. It will also place special emphasis on the role of procurement systems in facilitating the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) particularly in promoting intra-African trade through efficient and transparent procurement practices.
The assembly is expected to produce practical outcomes, including frameworks for digital procurement integration, enhanced regional cooperation, and strategies for green and sustainable procurement. These reforms are seen as vital in combating corruption, improving service delivery, and ensuring that public resources are used effectively for development.
Public procurement is one of the most critical pillars of Africa’s economic systems, accounting for an estimated 17% of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Recognising its importance, the African Public Procurement Network (APPN) was established in Lomé, Togo, in 2018 to modernise procurement practices across member states and promote the exchange of best practices.
Zimbabwe’s leadership of the APPN and its role as host of this year’s Assembly demonstrate its growing influence in the continent’s governance and economic reform agenda. With the world watching, the Victoria Falls meeting is expected to chart a new course for transparent, technology-driven procurement that will empower African governments to deliver better public services and foster sustainable growth.
As Dr Ruswa noted, the summit’s outcomes are likely to “set new standards in transparency, digitalisation, and collaboration as well as shaping the future of public procurement across Africa.”
