Tanzania calls for a full use of the NeST system in public procurement

ARUSHA: TANZANIANS have been urged to make full use of the National e-Procurement System (NeST) in public procurement processes to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in the management of public resources while supporting the country’s economic growth.

The call was made by Arusha Regional Administrative Secretary, Dr Toba Nguvila, who represented the Minister for Finance, Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar, at the 10th Public Procurement Forum organised by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA).

Dr Nguvila said public procurement accounts for a substantial share of government expenditure, making it essential for procurement processes to be managed efficiently, transparently and with the highest standards of integrity.

He described public procurement and supply management as a key government policy and strategic tool for stimulating production, promoting industrial growth, creating employment opportunities, strengthening local enterprises and encouraging innovation to ensure that the benefits of development are widely shared among Tanzanians.

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He further urged public officials to comply fully with procurement laws by conducting all procurement activities through the NeST platform, while giving priority to local suppliers, locally produced goods and special groups eligible to benefit from public procurement opportunities.

Speaking at the forum, PPRA Director General Dennis Simba said the authority continues to implement directives issued by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure that all public institutions comply with procurement laws and regulations, deliver value for money in public projects and strengthen collaboration with the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) and the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in combating corruption and misuse of public funds.

During the forum, PPRA recognised public institutions that excelled in compliance audits for the 2024/25 financial year, effective utilisation of the National e-Procurement System (NeST) and implementation of the requirement to allocate 30 per cent of public procurement opportunities to youth, women, elderly people and persons with disabilities.