Dr. Clever Ruswa, CEO of Procurement Regulatory Authority, Zimbabwe (PRAZ) and President of the Africa Public Procurement Network(APPN), delivered a powerful keynote address at the 7th Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Summit on at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria
Titled “Sustainable Procurement: A Case Study of Procurement Regulatory Authority,” Ruswa’s speech emphasized sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusivity as cornerstones of modern public procurement, drawing from Zimbabwe’s rapid adoption of e-procurement systems.
“Sustainability is not optional—it’s essential for Africa’s future,” Ruswa declared, urging procurement leaders to prioritize environmentally friendly products and integrate green criteria into processes.
The PRAZ chief highlighted Zimbabwe’s success in implementing an electronic government procurement system within a year, a collaborative effort with Indian and Nigerian partners that enhanced transparency and efficiency. “This digital shift, powered by AI and data analytics, is transforming decision-making and optimizing strategies,” he added.
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Ruswa called for greater supplier diversity, advocating for affirmative practices to support small, minority-owned, and special interest group businesses. He stressed simplifying processes to boost local economies through public-private partnerships. He also championed innovative contracting methods, such as performance-based contracts, to drive value and creativity.
As President of the (APPN), Ruswa emphasized capacity-building, inviting practitioners to join training programs like those offered by the South Africa Public Procurement Network. He advocated for robust metrics, regular audits, and stakeholder engagement to ensure accountability and inclusivity.
“Together, we can build a procurement framework that fosters resilience and economic growth across Africa,” Ruswa concluded, inspiring attendees to embrace sustainability and innovation.
