Harare (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday launched the electronic Government Procurement (eGP) System which he said was a significant milestone in efforts to modernise and streamline state procurement processes.
The launch coincided with the 3rd annual Public Procurement Conference which was taking place in the capital.
The electronic Government Procurement System uses Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to enable a more efficient and transparent exchange of information, interactions as well as transactions between Government and suppliers of goods and services.
President Mnangagwa said it was the government’s hope that the electronic Government Procurement System would minimise human interface and assist in dealing with corruption issues associated with the procurement sector.
“While procurement issues tend to attract corrupt activities in the economy, such malpractices have no space in my government. Interactions in the system would be auditable and verifiable. The chicanery and shadowy award of contracts associated with our public tender processes must be put to an end.
“The cases related to irregular payments, poor corporate governance, opaqueness in the award of contracts, favouritism and diversion of funds, among others will not be condoned. I, thus, challenge the procurement officials to be men and women of integrity,” he said.
He said following the enactment of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act and the related Regulations, it is pleasing that the public procurement reforms are having a positive impact on procurement processes.
President Mnangagwa said he expected that through the use of the system, previously marginalised institutions such as micro, small and medium enterprises, women and the youth will begin to play a more significant role in the procurement process, irrespective of their geographical location.
“Furthermore, it will improve financial accountability and transparency in procurement procedures, bring inclusivity by reaching remote areas, shorten the procurement cycle times as well as develop a common database.
“I urge users of the system to ensure that there is a constant electronic trail of procurement data towards facilitating the monitoring, reporting, planning and ‘real-time’ decision-making in public procurement,” he said.
He added that the theme of this year’s Conference, ‘Service Delivery Through Innovative Solutions’ is apt given the dynamic, ever-changing and highly digitalised environment, which makes it necessary to embrace science, technology and innovation in everything that one does.
New Ziana
He heaped praise on the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe for bringing together policy makers, regulators and other stakeholders to discuss issues that are pertinent to ensuring that the procurement systems become more efficient and effective.
“It also fulfils the Procurement Regulatory Authority’s mandate to engage in regular dialogues with suppliers and business associations. The spirit and practice of innovation is a fundamental prerequisite to improve service delivery.
Through the use of innovation, technology and new mind-sets on the part of stakeholders, it is my expectation that we will begin to gradually see higher levels of productivity, better outcomes as well as better services,” he said.
