Professionalising Zimbabwe’s procurement system through Inner Development

By Paul Nyausaru

Public procurement plays a quiet but powerful role in shaping national development.

It influences whether communities receive clean water, whether hospitals are equipped, whether roads are maintained, and whether public institutions function effectively. Because of its direct impact on citizens’ lives, procurement must be handled with professionalism, integrity, and clarity.

In recent years, Zimbabwe has undertaken significant reforms to strengthen its procurement architecture through the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act (PPDPA), the establishment of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), and the modernization of processes. These are commendable steps. However, as I highlighted during the recent PRAZ Colloquium, the success of procurement reform depends not only on the systems we build but also on the people who operate those systems.

This is where the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) offer a fresh and transformative approach.

Why Inner Development matters

Procurement decisions are often made in high-pressure environments. Officers must balance compliance requirements, ethical considerations, public expectations, budget constraints, and—in some cases—competing interests. In such a complex landscape, technical training alone is not enough. Professionals also need the inner strength, clarity, and maturity to act in ways that uphold the public interest.

The IDGs provide a framework for cultivating these qualities. They focus on five essential dimensions: Being, Thinking, Relating, Collaborating, and Acting. Each dimension aligns closely with the demands of the procurement profession and can significantly enhance the quality of decision-making.

Being: Integrity at the core

Procurement professionals frequently face ethical dilemmas. Whether it is resisting undue influence, insisting on proper documentation, or making unpopular but correct decisions, internal grounding is essential. The IDG dimension of Being strengthens self-awareness, emotional maturity, and integrity—qualities that form the backbone of professional conduct.

When individuals are guided by a strong inner compass, procurement becomes not just a job but a principled duty.

Thinking: Seeing the bigger picture

Procurement is no longer a narrow administrative function. It is a strategic enabler of national development. The IDG dimension of Thinking enhances systems awareness, critical analysis, and foresight. These skills help procurement officers evaluate risks, understand market dynamics, and make decisions that support long-term value for money.

A more reflective approach to thinking ensures that procurement choices contribute meaningfully to Vision 2030 and national priorities.

Relating: Bringing humanity into the process

Procurement involves suppliers, technical experts, user departments, auditors, PRAZ officials, and the public. Misunderstandings often arise not because of technical failures but because of poor communication or mistrust.

The IDG dimension of Relating emphasises empathy, humility, and effective engagement. When practitioners communicate clearly and treat stakeholders with respect, relationships strengthen and conflict reduces. This human-centered approach builds confidence in the system.

Collaborating: Working across boundaries

The success of procurement activities depends on collaboration. Complex projects—such as infrastructure, ICT systems, and public service delivery—require the combined effort of different professional groups.

The IDG dimension of Collaborating reinforces the importance of co-creating solutions, facilitating dialogue, and working inclusively. When procurement professionals embrace teamwork, the entire value chain improves, leading to smoother processes and better outcomes.

Acting: Courage and consistency

Finally, procurement requires courage. Professionals must sometimes challenge irregular practices, uphold procedure even when unpopular, or take decisive action under difficult conditions. The IDG dimension of Acting fosters resilience, ethical bravery, and disciplined execution.

These qualities ensure that procurement decisions remain fair, transparent, and aligned with public expectations.

A Human-Centred pathway to professionalisation

Technical reforms matter, but they are not enough. The true professionalisation of Zimbabwe’s procurement system lies in strengthening the inner capacities of the professionals who run it. The IDGs offer exactly this—an approach that develops competent, ethical, reflective, and courageous individuals.

By integrating the IDGs into procurement training, leadership development, and workplace culture, Zimbabwe can build a procurement system that is trusted, efficient, and future-ready. A system that not only follows the law but also upholds the spirit of public service.

At its core, procurement is a human activity. When people grow, the system grows. When integrity deepens, trust increases. And when the professionals entrusted with public resources act with clarity and purpose, the nation benefits.

The pathway to a world-class procurement system begins within.