Tanzania’s Prime Minister calls for East African e-procurement system to enhance transparency and efficiency

Arusha. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has urged all East African Community (EAC) member states to adopt electronic public procurement systems to ensure greater transparency, streamline transactions and combat corruption.

Speaking through a statement delivered by Finance and Planning Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, Majaliwa highlighted the success of Tanzania’s National e-Procurement System (NeST) as a model of effectiveness and transparency in public procurement.

Addressing attendees at the closing session of the 16th East African Procurement Forum at the Arusha International Conference Center (AICC), Dr Nchemba emphasized the need for a unified e-procurement platform across the eight EAC member states.

This, he suggested, would accelerate trade and foster regional economic integration.

“It is my vision that all East African countries will eventually transition to e-procurement and e-payment systems,” Nchemba stated. “These systems are crucial for enhancing trade, reducing costs, and advancing development.”

Nchemba also reiterated the importance of adherence to national laws, urging all public institutions and government entities in Tanzania to enroll in the National Electronic Procurement System as required.

The Director of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), Mr Dennis Simba, said that the three-day forum had attracted over 1,130 participants from across Eastern Africa and beyond.

“The forum provided a valuable opportunity for exchanging expertise in public procurement, Information Communication Technology, and digital transactions,” Simba said.

He praised Tanzania for its exemplary achievements in the field, positioning it as a leader in regional procurement practices.

The forum underscored the potential of e-procurement systems to revolutionize public procurement processes in the East African region, promising enhanced efficiency and accountability.