Staff Writer
Buy Zimbabwe welcomes the Government of Zimbabwe’s directive instructing all ministries, departments and procuring entities to prioritise locally produced goods and services in public procurement.
The directive, which enforces Section 29 of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, is a significant step towards strengthening domestic industry, expanding markets for Zimbabwean producers and ensuring that public expenditure contributes meaningfully to economic development.
Section 29 provides for domestic preference and reservation schemes, and the Government’s instruction that compliance is mandatory across all procurement, regardless of the funding source or type of engagement, sends a clear message about the role of public procurement in supporting local economic activity.
Buy Zimbabwe Chairman Mr Munyaradzi Hwengwere highlighted the key role played by Government in promoting local companies through local procurement.
“Government is one of the largest purchasers of goods and services in our economy. Its procurement choices have a direct bearing on the survival of local businesses, the creation of jobs and the strengthening of our industrial capacity. For Zimbabwean manufacturers, farmers, SMEs and service providers, access to public procurement opportunities provides the certainty needed to invest, expand production, improve quality and create sustainable employment.
This directive is therefore not just about procurement; it is about building a resilient Zimbabwean economy anchored on local value chains,” said Mr Hwengwere.
Mr Hwengwere also emphasised that local preference must be matched by efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s productive capacity through investment in manufacturing.
“Local preference must go hand in hand with building Zimbabwe’s productive capacity. This means investing in manufacturing, skills development, access to finance, technology, infrastructure and reliable utilities. Our vision is not simply to replace imports, but to create a competitive Zimbabwean industry that can deliver quality goods and services at scale, driving sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation,” Hwengwere added.
Government procurement directives favouring local content are vital tools for driving industrialisation, retaining tax revenues domestically and creating sustainable jobs in Zimbabwe.
“This directive is a game-changer. Every dollar spent by Government must stimulate domestic production, sustain jobs and build local value chains. By faithfully implementing this policy, Zimbabwe can unlock its full industrial potential and ensure that our economy thrives on the strength of our own producers,” said Mr Hwengwere.
To support local procurement and economic growth, Buy Zimbabwe hosts initiatives such as Buy Zimbabwe Week to champion domestic enterprises, reduce import dependency and create sustainable jobs.