All set for continental procurement summit in Victoria Falls

ROBIN PHIRI

Zimbabwe is set to host the 5th General Assembly of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN) from November 11 to 14 in Victoria Falls, in a landmark gathering expected to shape the future of public procurement across the continent.

APPN President and Chief Executive Officer of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), Dr. Clever Ruswa, said preparations were complete, with Zimbabwe ready to welcome delegates from at least 75 percent of APPN member states alongside international co-sponsors.

“This event marks a defining moment for Africa’s public procurement landscape,” said Dr. Ruswa. “We are fully prepared to host our regional partners, and all logistical and hospitality arrangements have been finalised.”

Founded in Lomé, Togo, in 2018, the APPN brings together procurement regulatory bodies from across Africa to promote collaboration, reform, and innovation in public procurement. Zimbabwe, which currently holds the presidency, has been steering the network’s agenda through initiatives centred on framework agreements, sustainable procurement, and professionalisation of the procurement function.

“This 5th General Assembly comes at a critical time for our continent,” Dr. Ruswa said. “We will explore how digital technologies like e-procurement and artificial intelligence can drive transparency and efficiency, while promoting inclusivity for women, youth, and small-to-medium enterprises.”

He said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents vast opportunities to harmonise procurement standards, foster regional value chains, and empower small businesses across the continent.

“AfCFTA positions public procurement not merely as an administrative function but as a strategic engine for sustainable economic integration and prosperity across Africa,” he added.

The Assembly will be officially opened by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, underscoring government’s commitment to deepening procurement reforms. Dr. Ruswa said President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has been instrumental in advancing transparency through the rollout of PRAZ reforms, the e-Government Procurement (e-GP) system, and the establishment of the Southern Africa Public Procurement Training Academy.

Aligned with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), PRAZ has prioritised transparency and efficiency in the management of public funds to ensure value for money and greater local participation. As the country moves into NDS2, the focus will shift toward expanding e-procurement integration to combat corruption, boost critical sectors, and promote inclusive, sustainable development.

“We are poised to leverage the outcomes of this Assembly to embed these pillars into our national systems and share best practices that will resonate across Africa,” Dr. Ruswa said.