Public procurement plays a pivotal role in the provision of public services; however, it remains one of the processes most susceptible to inefficiency and mismanagement in Zimbabwe. While additional laws and frameworks may be expected, what already exists is a clearly laid out set of public procurement procedures under the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act (PPDPA). However, despite this framework, persistent challenges continue to raise concerns about accountability, value for money, and governance integrity.

Recent findings by the Auditor General show ongoing issues within government departments and parastatals. These issues encompass the awarding of contracts without proper procedures, payments for goods and services not received, and inadequate record-keeping. For example, the audit for the period 2023 – 2024 revealed that Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services contacted a vendor to supply 129 motorcycles. Still, there was no evidence that the motorcycles were delivered to all units, as highlighted under “Acquisition of Motor Vehicles” in the Auditor General’s report. 

There is also a growing concern regarding the frequent utilisation of direct procurement and emergency clauses, which circumvent the standard competitive bidding processes. Although such methods are legally permissible in specific instances, their widespread application undermines transparency and increases the possibility of inflated costs and patronage. A study published in the Journal of Public Administration and Development Alternatives (JOPADA) suggests that these practices hinder competition and encourage rent-seeking behavior.

Recent years have seen high-profile procurement scandals attract significant public attention. In September 2022, Parliament authorized a tender for 173 laptops at a price of US$9,200 each, totaling US$1.6 million, which significantly exceeded local market prices. The Treasury intervened by cancelling the agreement and blacklisting the vendors upon discovering the inflated prices. Subsequently, the Parliament’s Director of Procurement and the Clerk of Parliament were subpoenaed by the Public Accounts Committee to testify.

At the local government level, the Auditor General raised concerns about devolution funds, including irregular procurement, inadequate documentation, and the misuse of resources intended for local service delivery. Weak financial controls have also impacted the management of Constituency Development Funds.

These challenges are exacerbated by limited enforcement and minimal sanctions for procurement violations. Weak oversight and the infrequent imposition of penalties undermine efforts to strengthen accountability and drive systemic reform.

To address these concerns, a multi-pronged approach is essential through:

1. Enhancing public access to procurement data and contract information.
2. Enforcing competitive bidding processes and limiting abuse of direct procurement.
3. Perform regular audits with necessary follow-up actions and sanctions.
4. Ensure meaningful oversight by Parliament, civil society, and independent media. 

To strengthen procurement processes in Zimbabwe, stakeholders must prioritise enhanced public education, access, and understanding of procurement systems. It is essential to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools necessary to monitor government tenders, contracts, and expenditure. An empowered citizenry fosters demand for accountability and transparency.

By fostering citizen agency, we can promote more transparent governance, improve access to government services, and raise the standards of accountability, especially for marginalized groups, low-income earners, women, and children, who often rely on public goods and services and have limited alternatives when corruption undermines their access.

by ALZ team