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Procurement Reforms

Crown Agents Zimbabwe > Procurement Reforms

Project Overview

Project Title: Procurement Reforms
Legal Entity: Crown Agents Zimbabwe (CAZim)
Project Location: National (Zimbabwe)
Overall Project Value: USD $2.0 million
Project Status: Completed
Client: Government of Zimbabwe
Origin of Funding: World Bank

Project Background

In a bid to enhance public procurement systems and reduce inefficiencies, the Government of Zimbabwe, with funding from the World Bank, undertook a comprehensive reform program aimed at modernizing and strengthening the country’s procurement system.

Prior to these reforms, Zimbabwe’s procurement system was faced with challenges of irregular payments, and governance issues, which often resulted in public funds being diverted for inappropriate use.

Recognizing the need for change, the Government of Zimbabwe initiated a series of reforms designed to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement. The reforms were primarily focused on three main objectives:

  • Enactment of a New Public Procurement Act: This was to serve as the foundation for the legal framework governing procurement in Zimbabwe.
  • Development of Practical Tools: Standard bidding and contract documents were developed to provide clear guidelines for public procurement processes.
  • Development of an Electronic Government Procurement Strategy (e-GP): The strategy aimed to modernize procurement processes by incorporating technology to reduce inefficiencies and potential for corruption.

Crown Agents Zimbabwe (CAZim) played a pivotal role in leading the reforms, ensuring that the new framework and systems were successfully designed and implemented to bring about lasting changes in the public procurement landscape.

Project Objectives and Services Provided

  1. Enacting a New Public Procurement Act CAZim led efforts in the drafting and enactment of a new Public Procurement Act, which became the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s reformed procurement legal framework. This new legislation was designed to address the gaps and weaknesses of the previous system, ensuring a more transparent and accountable procurement process.
  2. Developing Tools for Law Implementation To support the enforcement of the new law, CAZim developed practical tools, including:
  • Standard Bidding Documents: These documents helped standardize procurement practices, ensuring that all government tenders were transparent, fair, and legally compliant.
  • Standard Contract Documents: Clear contract templates were developed to avoid ambiguities and ensure that procurement agreements were legally binding and enforceable.
  1. Capacity Building Workshops As part of the reform process, CAZim conducted capacity-building workshops aimed at equipping public sector employees, procurement officials, and other stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement the new procurement processes effectively.
  2. Establishment of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ)
    A critical part of the reform was the transition from the State Procurement Board to the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ). CAZim supported this transition, helping to establish PRAZ as the body responsible for overseeing and regulating procurement activities in Zimbabwe, ensuring that the reforms were implemented effectively.

Project Achievements

1. Strengthened Procurement Legal Framework

The enactment of the new Public Procurement Act has laid the groundwork for a more robust and transparent procurement system. This legislation has increased public confidence in the fairness and efficiency of procurement processes.

2. Enhanced Transparency and Accountability

The introduction of standard bidding and contract documents has reduced ambiguity in procurement practices, leading to fewer disputes and a more predictable and accountable procurement environment.

3. Reduced Corruption Risks

The implementation of the e-GP strategy has significantly reduced the risks associated with corruption and favoritism in procurement decisions. This technological approach has streamlined processes, reducing the potential for manual manipulation or fraud.

4. Institutional Capacity Building

The capacity-building workshops have successfully equipped government procurement staff and other stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively navigate and implement the new procurement processes.

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