ZIMBABWE, through the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz), has assumed the presidency of the African Public Procurement Network (APPN), taking over from Rwanda.
The APPN is an association of public procurement structures from 46 African countries which was established in 2018 in Lomé, Togo, where it is headquartered.
The network promotes regional integration and economic development by fostering co-operation and best practices in public procurement.
Speaking at the handover ceremony yesterday, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga commended outgoing APPN president Joyeuse Uwingeneye, the director-general of the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority, for her leadership.
“Under your guidance, we have seen significant strides in advancing procurement practices,” Chiwenga said.
“Your unwavering dedication has laid a strong foundation for the continued transformation of procurement systems on the continent.”
He emphasised that public procurement was not just a bureaucratic process but a key driver of economic growth.
“When effectively managed, procurement can stimulate local economies, enhance infrastructure, improve healthcare and education, and support small and medium enterprises, creating millions of jobs,” Chiwenga added.
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Uwingeneye expressed gratitude for the support received during her tenure.
“During the year 2024, we managed to record significant milestones, including eight knowledge-sharing sessions attended by nearly 2 000 participants, a webinar with 400 participants, and a highly successful 4th General Assembly in Kigali (Rwanda),” she said.
She commended the APPN’s executive team and technical partners such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank for their contributions in strengthening procurement systems across Africa.
“The network is stronger than ever and I trust that under [Praz chief executive officer] Dr Clever Ruswa’s leadership, APPN will continue to grow and drive impactful reforms,” Uwingeneye said.
“Please do more than me --- make APPN shine, grow, and prosper.”
Ruswa, the incoming APPN chair, said Zimbabwe’s leadership of the network marked a significant national milestone, revealing the government’s dedication to driving procurement reforms forward.
“This is not just a personal milestone but a moment of pride for our nation as we embrace the opportunity to lead the continental network,” he said.
“We recognise that procurement is a vital driver of economic development.
“To maximise its impact, we must ensure that procurement practitioners are well-trained, uphold ethical standards, and embrace sustainable procurement practices that prioritise economic efficiency, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.”
As part of Zimbabwe’s agenda, APPN will host monthly webinars on best practices, innovative procurement strategies, and sustainability, with sessions available in English, Portuguese and French to cater to its diverse membership.
Ruswa also highlighted the need for affirmative procurement policies to empower marginalised groups, including women and youth, in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Zimbabwe will host APPN’s 5th General Assembly in Victoria Falls from November 10 to 15 this year.
