PRAZ urges procurement professionals to align practices with organizational goals
SAMANTHA MADE
The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) has called on procurement professionals to align their practices with broader organizational goals and embrace innovation, emphasizing the growing need for strategic thinking in the evolving procurement landscape.
This call to action was made by PRAZ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Clever Ruswa, at the 4th Annual Public Procurement Symposium held in Bulawayo this week
The two-day symposium, themed “Beyond Compliance: Strategic Thinking for the Modern Procurement Professional,” aimed to equip procurement practitioners with insights into emerging trends and innovations. It seeks to facilitate dialogue on bridging the gap between regulatory compliance and value creation while empowering professionals to drive meaningful change in both public and private sectors.
“The compliance-based approach, while necessary, should not be our sole focus,” Dr. Ruswa said. “It is imperative that we move towards strategic thinking in this profession. This means aligning our procurement practices with broader organizational goals and embracing innovation.”
He urged procurement professionals to leverage digital technologies and foster collaboration to enhance efficiency and transparency in public procurement systems.
“As you do your work, you need to leverage digital tools and technologies, such as the electronic Government Procurement (eGP) system, foster collaboration, and build resilient supply chains,” he said.
Dr. Ruswa also challenged attendees to take ownership of their responsibilities, discouraging the practice of blaming regulatory bodies for procurement shortcomings.
“I want to address a crucial point that has been raised frequently—that of the tendency to abdicate responsibility. It is easy to point fingers at the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe when challenges arise. However, you must recognize that your success lies within your own hands,” he said.
He reiterated that procurement is more than a procedural or regulatory function—it is a value-driving pillar that supports organizational and national development.
“Procurement is not just about following rules but about creating value for our organizations and communities,” Dr. Ruswa emphasized.
He further called on practitioners to uphold ethical standards and promote sustainability in their operations.
“Let us not forget the importance of ethical and sustainable practices. As procurement professionals, we have a responsibility to ensure that our actions support compliance and long-term value creation,” he said.
Dr. Ruswa added that embracing forward-thinking approaches would enable the profession to address complex challenges and benefit all stakeholders.
“This requires us to be proactive, to ask tough questions, and to seek solutions that serve the interests of our institutions and the broader community,” he said.
Reflecting on the broader implications of the symposium, Dr. Ruswa said the event serves as a crucial platform for practitioners to reassess their roles and adapt to the changing expectations of the profession.
“You are no longer simply compliance officers, but you are strategic enablers of value, sustainability, and innovation,” he said. “This shift requires you to embrace a proactive mindset and to understand that your roles go beyond mere adherence to policies.”
The symposium marks a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe’s procurement landscape, reinforcing the importance of aligning procurement with development priorities, advancing professionalism, and building resilient systems that can withstand future challenges.
