By The Respondent Reporter
The government has emphasized the need for professionalism and strict adherence to digital systems in public procurement as part of its drive to promote inclusive economic growth through local companies and special groups.
The call was made by the Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, who represented the Minister for Finance, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, at the opening of the 9th Public Procurement Symposium 2025.
The event, held at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), carried the theme “Digital Public Procurement for Sustainable Development: Empowering Local Companies and Special Groups for Inclusive Economic Growth.”
Dr Gwajima urged all procuring entities across the country to identify special social groups within their jurisdictions and support them to access government procurement opportunities.
She said local authorities must ensure the effective management of development projects while procurement officers observe high levels of professionalism and ethics.
She further directed the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) to continue fulfilling its mandate in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, Cap 410, and to closely monitor procurement processes to ensure compliance.
“All stakeholders must demonstrate patriotism by strictly following government laws, guidelines, and ethical standards,” said Dr Gwajima.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Dr Natu El-maamry Mwamba, assured participants that the ministry would implement the instructions given, particularly the provision of training on the National Economic Support Tool (NEST) to community development officers.
“During your tour of the exhibition booths, you instructed that NEST training be provided to community development officers. The ministry has taken note of your directive and we are ready to carry it out,” Dr Mwamba stated.
He also expressed gratitude to the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), the Prime Minister’s Office – Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities, and the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, alongside officials from the Ministry of Finance, for organizing the event successfully.
The symposium serves as an important platform for discussing ways to enhance efficiency, transparency and inclusivity in public procurement through digital transformation.