PPAA trains public servants how to handle NeST digital system

DODOMA: THE Public Procurement Appeals Authority (PPAA) has conducted a one-day training session to build the capacity of bidders on how to use the electronic module for submitting and handling complaints and appeals through the NeST system.

National e-Procurement System of Tanzania (NeST) is an electronic system that facilitates e-registration, e-tendering, e-contract management, e-payment.

The training took place today, June 18, 2025, in Dodoma City and brought together bidders from Dodoma and neighboring regions.

Opening the session, PPAA Executive Secretary James Sando urged participants to take the training seriously and learn how to effectively use the module when submitting complaints or appeals related to procurement processes. He emphasized that the new system is a key tool in promoting transparency, accountability, and cost-efficiency.

Sando highlighted that the module benefits all stakeholders in the procurement process, including bidders, procuring entities, and PPAA itself. “This module saves time and costs for the bidder as they no longer need to travel to PPAA offices to submit complaints or appeals,” he explained.

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He further revealed that PPAA has recently handled 177 cases related to various public procurement processes, with 37 of those leading to the suspension of contract awards to bidders lacking financial or technical qualifications. These actions have helped the government obtain better value for money in its development projects.

Bidders who attended the training, led by Engineer Beda Labule, expressed satisfaction with the new electronic system. They said the module has eliminated the hassle of traveling to file complaints and has made the entire process much easier and more accessible online. “The government has made our work easier,” said Labule.

Jofenai-joy Felician, Director of Jofenai Investment, also praised the module, stating that it not only simplifies complaint submissions but also improves recordkeeping, transparency, and monitoring throughout the procurement appeal process. She added that the system has addressed many of the challenges previously faced by bidders.

This training is part of a national series of sessions being conducted by PPAA. The first phase took place in the Lake Zone from February 4–6, 2025, covering Mwanza, Geita, Mara, Kagera, Simiyu, and Shinyanga regions. The second phase was held in the Northern Zone in February, covering Tanga, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, and Manyara. The third phase took place in the Southern Highlands Zone on February 29–30, 2025, and included Iringa, Njombe, Mbeya, Songwe, and Rukwa.