Zimbabwe’s Vice President Calls for a Transformed, Tech-Driven Public Procurement System in Africa

VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe – The Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Hon. Gen. (Retd) Dr. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga, has officially opened the Fifth General Assembly of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN), declaring it a pivotal moment to harness political will, innovation, and regional collaboration to reshape procurement systems across the continent.

In his keynote address delivered on Wednesday the Vice President underscored the critical role of public procurement as a strategic instrument for economic development, accounting for approximately seventeen percent of Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product.

“Political will is the undeniable driving force that transforms progressive policies into impactful action,” Vice President Chiwenga stated before a gathering of ministers, delegates from member states, international development partners, and procurement experts. He emphasized that through unwavering government commitment, procurement can be a vital tool for transparency, accountability, and delivering essential public services.

The assembly, convened under the theme “Transforming Public Procurement in Africa through Innovation, Inclusion, Sustainability, and Regional Collaboration,” will serve as a platform for crucial discussions on advancing the sector.

The Vice President outlined a multi-faceted approach for transformation, highlighting three key pillars:

1. Professionalization and Technology:VP Chiwenga stressed the urgent need to equip procurement professionals with the necessary skills and ethical standards. He declared that integrating digital technologies, e-procurement systems, and data analytics is “no longer optional—it is absolutely essential” to enhance transparency, reduce inefficiencies, and combat corruption.
2. Alignment with Continental Goals:He urged delegates to align procurement strategies with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “We must work collectively to eliminate trade barriers, dismantle protectionist approaches and create a seamless environment for cross-border procurement,” he said, noting this would promote mutual growth and regional collaboration.
3. Inclusion and Tackling Challenges:The Vice President pointed to Zimbabwe’s own policies, which are designed to ensure marginalized groups, including women, youth, and SMEs, have equitable access to procurement opportunities. He also acknowledged the significant challenges of corruption, inefficiency, and lack of transparency, calling for robust regulatory frameworks and multi-stakeholder collaboration to address them.

VP Chiwenga also highlighted Zimbabwe’s leadership role during its tenure as APPN President, noting the country’s efforts in spearheading transformative webinars and laying the groundwork for a skilled workforce committed to integrity and efficiency across Africa.

In his concluding remarks, the Vice President framed the assembly as a strategic opportunity to build resilient and future-ready procurement systems. “Together, we can position public procurement as a transformative tool for economic growth and social progress across our continent,” he said.

He also extended gratitude to the outgoing APPN President, Dr. Clever Ruswa, for his service and wished the incoming leadership a fruitful tenure, as the assembly prepares for its executive elections tomorrow.

The opening ceremony sets a determined and forward-looking tone for the multi-day assembly, where African procurement leaders are expected to chart a concrete path toward a more integrated and effective procurement landscape for the continent.