Zimbabwe’s Procurement Regulatory Authority, commonly known as PRAZ, is leading one of the most important digital reforms in the country’s public sector. The authority has introduced an online procurement platform known as the electronic Government Procurement system. The system replaces slow and paper based processes with a full digital workflow that connects government entities and suppliers in one central place. As a result, Zimbabwe’s public procurement environment is becoming more transparent, competitive and efficient.

The eGP system was created to fix long standing problems in procurement. These include delays, limited competition, poor document control and risks associated with manual processes. PRAZ designed the platform so that all stages of procurement take place online. This includes planning, tender publication, bidding, evaluation, awarding, contract management and invoicing. This structure allows both government buyers and private suppliers to work in a structured, trackable and secure environment.

To use the system, government departments log in and prepare their procurement plans. These plans guide how funds will be used for the year. After planning, entities publish their tenders on the online bulletin board. Suppliers interested in working with government must register with PRAZ. Local suppliers pay an annual fee in United States dollars or Zimbabwe Gold. Once approved, they can view available tenders and submit bids.

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The bidding process is entirely digital. Suppliers select a tender, add it to their opportunities list and then start preparing their bid response. They upload technical documents, financial information and compliance certificates. The system encrypts the documents to protect sensitive information. Suppliers also pay a bid establishment fee and attach a bid security where required. When all documents are complete, the supplier submits everything online. Government entities then access these bids through their internal dashboards.

PRAZ introduced the eGP system in phases. Early modules focused on supplier registration and tendering. Later upgrades added evaluation tools, awarding processes, contract lifecycle management and reporting dashboards. In 2025 PRAZ launched Phase 1.3 which included new capabilities such as framework agreement management and improved data analytics. These features help government buyers process multiple supply requirements more efficiently.

The biggest advantage of the eGP system is transparency. Zimbabwe’s Procurement Regulatory Authority has created a structure where suppliers can see tender opportunities in real time. Tender documents, criteria and awarded results are published for public access. This reduces the risk of hidden deals and improves trust in procurement outcomes. More suppliers can compete because information is open and available.

The next major benefit is efficiency. Before eGP, most procurement steps required physical document submissions, manual filing and face to face submissions. These steps were slow and created opportunities for delays. With the new system, the entire process is digital and tracked by time stamps. Government entities can evaluate bids faster. Suppliers do not need to travel long distances to deliver documents. This improves turnaround time and reduces cost.

Cost savings are another strong benefit for both government and suppliers. Printing and courier services were once common in procurement. These costs are now removed. Digital submissions also reduce the space needed for physical storage and limit the risks that come with losing paperwork.

The system also boosts participation. Small and medium enterprises now have easier access to tenders because everything is online. A business from any part of Zimbabwe can compete for a contract if it has internet access. Foreign companies can also participate, although they pay a higher registration fee. This increased participation improves competition and helps government get better value.

A modern procurement system must include proper monitoring tools. PRAZ has achieved this by adding data and analytics features to eGP. Public entities can now track spending patterns and evaluate supplier performance using real time data. The authority has also incorporated artificial intelligence tools. These include AI supported bid evaluations and digital chatbots that help suppliers navigate the system. The result is a more accurate and reliable evaluation process.

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Despite these strengths, the system still faces challenges. Registration fees may be difficult for small local businesses. This can discourage participation from smaller players. Internet access is also inconsistent in some parts of the country which may prevent companies from using the system properly. Another challenge is the learning curve. Users with limited computer knowledge may struggle to use the system without training. PRAZ has been offering training sessions but more may be needed to support full adoption.

There are also technical and financial challenges on the government side. Public institutions need stable internet, computers and trained staff. Without these resources, the digital process can slow down. Another risk is over reliance on technology. A system failure or cyber threat could disrupt procurement activity. It is important for PRAZ to maintain strong security and backup systems.

PRAZ has been strengthening the eGP platform by integrating it with other government systems. These include national financial systems, tax records and the companies registry. This integration improves data accuracy and prevents suppliers from giving false information. The authority also launched a national assessment tool known as MAPS to measure procurement performance according to global standards. The eGP system is one of the main tools used in this assessment.

The introduction of the eGP system represents a major milestone for Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s Procurement Regulatory Authority has created a digital environment that supports accountability, fairness and improved value for public funds. Although challenges remain, the system has already changed how procurement works in the country. With continued improvements, stronger infrastructure and training support, eGP has the potential to become one of the most reliable public procurement systems in the region.

Sources: The Herald, PRAZ website