Minister Mavima challenges procurement professionals

SAMANTHA MADE

Procurement professionals must embrace strategic thinking and digital innovation to help steer Zimbabwe’s economic transformation, Skills Audit and Development Minister Professor Paul Mavima has said.

Speaking at the 4th Annual Public Procurement Symposium in Bulawayo this week, Professor Mavima challenged procurement practitioners to go beyond traditional compliance-based approaches and take a more dynamic, developmental role in shaping the country’s future.

“Procurement is no longer merely about compliance; it is about creating value, enhancing efficiency, and aligning with our broader national aspirations,” he said. “In this era of rapid technological change, professionals must anticipate trends, assess risks, and align decisions with long-term organizational objectives.”

The Minister underscored the importance of adopting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital procurement systems. He said these tools are no longer optional but essential for modern procurement practice.

“First and foremost, as indicated in our theme for this conference, strategic thinking is essential,” Professor Mavima said. “Procurement professionals must not only focus on cost-saving measures but also anticipate future trends, assess risk, and align their decisions with the long-term objectives of their organisations. Additionally, a deep understanding of technology and data analytics has become indispensable. With the rise of AI, machine learning, and big data, you must leverage these tools to enhance decision-making, optimize supply chains, and predict market shifts.”

Professor Mavima singled out Zimbabwe’s newly implemented electronic Government Procurement (eGP) system as a milestone achievement that has elevated transparency and efficiency in the public procurement process.

“The newly introduced electronic Government Procurement (eGP) system has proven to be the procurement game-changer,” he said. “It has enabled procurement professionals to live up to expectations in conforming to the digitisation agenda through utilising electronic tools. The eGP system has come in to enhance efficiency and effectiveness and ease the use of paperwork. I would like to commend PRAZ in that regard as they have made sure they launched this tool and equally spread training across the country on how to use the tool.”

However, the Minister cautioned that technology alone is not sufficient to transform procurement. He called for the integration of technical knowledge with soft skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and leadership.

“As procurement professionals, I cannot overemphasize the importance of embracing the convergence of skills,” he said. “This means integrating technical knowledge with other soft skills such as negotiation, customer service orientation, emotional intelligence, communication, problem solving and leadership. By fostering a diverse skill set, we can better navigate the complexities of procurement and contribute to achieving our government’s vision of becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030 as envisioned by His Excellency, President Cde Dr E. D. Mnangagwa.”

Professor Mavima also reminded delegates of their ethical obligations, stressing that procurement is a public trust that must be safeguarded with integrity.

“Let me remind you that procurement is not a platform for self-enrichment; it is a call to steward our country’s progress with honour,” he said.

He urged procurement professionals to lead by example in the fight against corruption, stating that “every ethical purchase is an investment in our communities’ wellbeing.”

The two-day symposium, held under the theme “Beyond Compliance: Strategic Thinking for the Modern Procurement Professional,” continues today with technical workshops focused on sustainable procurement practices.

In closing, Minister Mavima issued a stirring call to action: “Let’s shift the narrative: from compliance to impact, from paperwork to purpose, from transactions to transformation.”

More than 1,000 procurement professionals from across the SADC region attended the symposium, which has become the premier platform for advancing public procurement excellence in Zimbabwe.