Mnangagwa flags govt procurement graft

President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed his concerns about corruption within public procurement processes during his address at the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) third annual conference in Harare.

He highlighted the need to address irregularities, including favoritism and the diversion of public funds, within the public procurement system. The president introduced the electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system, launched the same day, as a means to modernize the government's procurement processes and minimize corrupt practices.

The e-GP system will significantly reduce human interface in procurement, making interactions auditable and verifiable. The president emphasized the importance of ending the irregular award of contracts and promoting transparency. Under the e-GP system, the entire procurement cycle of public entities will be made public, from the procurement plan and bid notices to the award of contracts. Electronic bidding will be introduced to encourage competition among domestic and international bidders and reduce procurement costs.

Recent reports by the Auditor-General have exposed extensive corruption and non-compliance with procurement procedures within government departments, state enterprises, and parastatals, resulting in substantial financial losses due to graft. President Mnangagwa encouraged procurement officials to prioritize local products, services, and solutions, in line with the country's local content strategy and support for local innovations.

The president underlined the significance of the success of public procurement in achieving the government's national development priorities and Vision 2030.