Bulawayo, (New Ziana)–Zimbabwe will soon conduct a Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS) review, an internationally recognized assessment of the public procurement framework of a country, an official has said.
Procurement Regulatory Authority (PRAZ) chief executive officer Clever Ruswa said this while addressing delegates who attended the Local Authorities and Governance Conference held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEB) on Monday.
The conference was held under the theme “Collaborative Governance: Building Partnerships for Effective Public Procurement and Local Economic Development.”
“The objectives of conducting MAPS on Zimbabwe’s public procurement system is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of its present status for supporting the formulation of future strategies by stakeholders,” Ruswa explained.
The assessment will focus on four key pillars namely Legislative, Regulatory, and Policy Framework; Institutional Framework and Management Capacity; Procurement Operations and Market Capacity, and Accountability, Integrity, and Transparency
“Given the underlying intention of optimum impact for all projects, there is need to ensure that emphasis is not only on delivering a MAPS report, but also to generate ownership and in the end utilization of this assessment,” he added.
Ruswa said it is only through accountable leadership and ethical public procurement that local authorities can restore citizen confidence and drive meaningful economic growth.
His remarks come amid rising concerns over corruption scandals, land barons, and deteriorating service delivery in municipalities across the country.
“In the realm of corporate governance, it is imperative for local authorities to embrace the cost of compliance as a foundational element of good citizenship. Recent media reports have highlighted troubling scandals within local authorities in Zimbabwe, including issues of poor service delivery and the emergence of land barons exploiting vulnerable communities,” he said.
“These challenges not only erode public trust but also undermine the principles of accountability and transparency that are essential for effective governance,” he added.
Ruswa added that by investing in compliance measures, local authorities can demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices and responsible management, fostering an environment where citizens feel valued and protected.
He highlighted that public procurement is a powerful tool for stimulating local economic growth, promoting micro and small to medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and supporting community development.
Ruswa urged local authorities to embrace compliance as a “moral imperative,” stressing that ethical procurement practices are vital for sustainable development and community welfare.
He also urged local authorities to strengthen partnerships with businesses and communities, adding that clear communication, shared objectives, mutual trust, and adaptability were key principles for effective governance.
“By working closely with local businesses, community groups, and other stakeholders, you can identify opportunities for growth, develop targeted interventions, and deliver effective public services,” he said.
Transparent procurement systems and strong corporate governance are the bedrock of public trust and sustainable development, not just regulatory requirements.
New Ziana
