Tanzania urges transparency, integrity in NeST system

DAR ES SALAAM: DARES SALAAM Regional Administrative Secretary, Dr. Toba Nguvila, has emphasized the importance of transparency and integrity in the use of the Government Procurement System called NeSt, which is managed by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA).

The National e-Procurement System of Tanzania (NeST) is an electronic platform that streamlines public procurement processes in Tanzania.

 He stated that the effective use of this system is vital for national development and to ensure that bidders, including people with disabilities, fully benefit from procurement opportunities.

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Nguvila made these remarks today in Dar es Salaam during a ceremony where radios and memory cards were distributed to the Tanzania Association for the Blind. These devices were provided by PPRA as part of efforts to empower people with disabilities to participate fully in the public procurement process. He urged that the equipment be well maintained and used effectively to yield positive outcomes for the intended beneficiaries.

Speaking at the event, Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo said that the support is an important step to enable visually impaired individuals to access information about tender opportunities through the Nest system, which will help them actively engage in government economic activities.

Meanwhile, PPRA Director Dennis Simba explained that special training provided to visually impaired persons in the Pwani region cost the government TZS 52 million and involved 250 participants. Despite these efforts, he noted that the participation of people with disabilities in public procurement remains low. Therefore, PPRA is intensifying focus on these special groups to ensure their full inclusion.

The Chairman of the Tanzania Association for the Blind, Omary Kitangu, expressed gratitude for the support, explaining that the radios and memory cards will help them receive information on government tenders reserved for people with disabilities. He noted that 30% of such tenders are allocated to special groups, and the devices will help them take advantage of these opportunities.

It is recalled that PPRA conducted special training for visually impaired persons on April 25 this year in the Pwani region, as part of a strategy to promote the participation of special groups in public procurement.