Staff Reporter

Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) says it is keen to uphold the 30% women tender allocation quota as prescribed by Government policy.

Speaking at the Women Empowerment Summit yesterday at Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), PRAZ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Charles Ruswa said there was need for a clear definition of a women led business as some entrepreneurs are in the habit of placing proxies just to win more tenders in line with global and local trends that favour women entrepreneurs.

Ruswa said ideally, a woman led organization should have a woman as the major shareholder, major beneficiary and key bank signatory which should be in the registration documents. He added that there was need for transparency in executing the key principles of implementing the procurement objectives.

Ruswa added that there was need for competition to ensure that Government obtains the best contract terms, enhance transparency and regulate the functioning of the international market. He further stated that equal opportunities and treatment must be provided to all bidders with fair access to bidding opportunities and similar treatment during and after the awarding of the contract.

In his presentation, Ruswa outlined the technical requirements and qualifications of bidders according to statutory 28.

Ruswa further explained that the tender documents must provide information about the evaluation criteria, stages and procedures. He highlighted factors which must be considered in addition to price.

Meanwhile, the two days Women Empowerment Summit will end tomorrow and is running under the theme, “Revitalising Economic Growth through Women Empowerment.”