The Public Procurement Appeals Authority (PPAA) has taken a significant step toward digitizing public procurement processes by training suppliers and contractors in Dodoma on how to use the electronic system for lodging complaints and appeals.
The one-day capacity-building session, held on June 18, 2025, brought together bidders from Dodoma and neighboring regions.
The training focused on the use of the NeST system an online platform designed to handle procurement-related complaints and appeals in a more transparent and efficient manner.
Speaking during the official opening, PPAA Executive Secretary Mr. James Sando urged bidders to embrace the digital platform, which is aimed at reducing delays and operational costs in the appeals process.
“This module saves time and eliminates the need for bidders to travel long distances to lodge their complaints or appeals. Everything can now be done online, securely and conveniently,” said Mr. Sando.
He explained that the system benefits all parties involved bidders, procuring entities, and PPAA by promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
Mr. Sando revealed that in recent months, PPAA has handled 177 procurement-related cases. In 37 of those, awards were suspended after it was discovered that some bidders lacked the financial or technical capacity to implement the projects in question.
“By intervening in these cases, we helped safeguard public funds and ensured value for money in government projects,” he noted.
Participants at the training welcomed the development, saying the new system removes long-standing bottlenecks in the complaints process.
Engineer Beda Labule, one of the bidders in attendance, said: “Previously, you had to physically travel to PPAA offices to file an appeal, which was both time-consuming and costly. This digital system changes everything. It’s a major relief for many of us.”
Ms. Jofenai-Joy Felician, Director of Jofenai Investment, added that the module not only simplifies submissions but also improves record-keeping.
“I’ve faced several challenges in filing appeals in the past, particularly when time was of the essence. With this system, everything is documented electronically, which also increases transparency,” she said.
The Dodoma session is part of a national rollout of the NeST training initiative. The first phase was held in the Lake Zone from February 4 to 6, 2025, covering Mwanza, Geita, Mara, Kagera, Simiyu, and Shinyanga.
The second phase took place in the Northern Zone later in February, involving Tanga, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, and Manyara regions.
The third phase was conducted in the Southern Highlands from February 29 to 30, 2025, covering Iringa, Njombe, Mbeya, Songwe, and Rukwa.
PPAA says more training sessions are scheduled to ensure that bidders across the country are fully equipped to use the system by the end of the year.
