https://www.herald.co.zw/praz-pushes-for-sme-quota-in-govt-procurement-deals/

April 2, 2021

The Procurement Regulatory uthority of Zimbabwe is working on a host of proposal that stakeholders want amended to align the country's procurement laws to the constitution . Chief among the additions is the inclusion of suggestions for government to acquire atleast 25% of its goods and services from SMEs said PRAZ acting CEO Mr Clever Ruswa.

PRAZ standardizes bidding

The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) has introduced standard bidding documents for use by all procuring entities as part of efforts to ensure transparency, uniformity and containing costs. PRAZ chief executive officer Mr Nyasha Chizu, told The Herald Business yesterday that the standard bidding documents have been introduced in terms of Section 6 (1) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act Chapter (22:23). The term “standard” implies that the documents are used across all procuring entities to achieve uniformity when procuring the same goods, services, works and consultancy.

Government and PRAZ roll out campaigns to conscientise SMEs about procurement regulations

GOVERNMENT and the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) are set to roll out campaigns to conscientise small-to-medium enterprises about procurement regulations, which provide for 25 percent of any national tenders to players in the sector. Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, said despite forming the majority of economic sectors in the country, SMEs tend to be left behind on national procurement tenders.

SMEs eligible for Covid-19 tenders: Minister

Government has assured small companies of fair treatment during tendering processes as it tightens screws around procurement of items required in the fight against Covid-19. Recently, Cabinet agreed that only “reputable and established companies” will be contracted to supply Covid-19 materials but small genuine companies are still eligible since the ban is for briefcase companies without premises and without a track record.