DAR ES SALAAM: IN a world where procurement can often feel like navigating a labyrinth of paperwork, regulations and let’s be honest tempting loopholes, a recent seminar at Mzumbe University’s Dar campus might just be the compass that public institutions and procurement professionals need.
Sponsored by the Kühne Foundation, this seminar was all about enhancing the efficiency and ethical conduct of procurement processes in Tanzania. It was a serious, three-day event, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t room for some good old-fashioned enlightenment (and a few chuckles along the way).
The seminar, led by Mzumbe University’s programme coordinator, Prof Omary Salehe, delved deep into the new public procurement law and its regulations. It was a crash course on understanding the nuances of the law, what has changed, what hasn’t and what all those changes mean for the professionals working in the procurement and supply chain sector.
But this wasn’t just for seasoned pros 40 participants from both public and private institutions, recent graduates and even people still undergoing training joined the seminar, eager to get their heads around the fresh, legal landscape.
According to Prof Salehe, the seminar is part of a larger collaboration with Kühne Foundation, aiming to continuously sharpen the skills of professionals in procurement.
The seminar’s focus on public procurement laws is timely since the 2023 amendments came into force in June, it’s crucial that everyone involved understands how these changes affect them and their roles.
And judging by the reactions of the participants, this seminar was much more than a “one-time-only” learning experience. Take, for example, Theresia Silvester from the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) in Mtwara. As a Mzumbe alumnus, Theresia wasn’t just attending to learn, but to spread the word about the programme.
“This seminar has added tremendous value to my career,” she says. “Especially for those of us in procurement, we’ve learned about the new procurement law and the amendments, which include significant improvements, particularly the effective use of NeST.”
Now, NeST otherwise known as the National e-Procurement System of Tanzania is a tool designed to revolutionise the way public procurement happens in the country. It’s meant to tackle corruption (yes, the ‘C’ word), excessive bureaucracy and transparency issues.
Thanks to NeST, those tempted to slip a little something under the table will now find it much harder to do so. The new law includes a code of conduct and if you make a dodgy purchase that leads to losses for your institution, you could be looking at a fine of 10 million Tanzanian shillings and up to seven years in prison.
That’s one way to stop people from trying to game the system. It’s easy to think of corruption as a distant problem, something that only happens in “other” places or in other industries. But Theresia’s words bring us back to reality: “We know young people often face temptations,” she says.
“However, the new law has made it clear if you mess up, you’re going to pay, literally.” This is the kind of nononsense attitude that needs to be echoed across all sectors. And it’s precisely this kind of honesty that will help keep procurement practices in check and hopefully, save the country a lot of money in the long run. But don’t take it from just Theresia.
Alfred Salah, a public procurement and supply chain management trainer, shared his enthusiasm for the seminar’s focus on continuous education, especially in light of the 2023 Public Procurement Act amendments. “The law has introduced significant improvements, including stronger emphasis on ethics, accountability and adherence to laws,” he says.
“This is not just about learning to follow the rules; it’s about building a culture of ethical procurement, where people are aware of the consequences of their actions.” And it’s not all about compliance; it’s also about inclusivity.
The new law has a specific provision that requires 30 per cent of tenders to be allocated to special groups, including women, youth and persons with disabilities. For many participants, this was an eye-opener giving these groups a seat at the procurement table isn’t just good for social justice; it’s also good for business.
As Alfred puts it, the changes aren’t just improving the procurement process they’re reshaping the way the country views procurement altogether. For recent graduates like Nemris Taiko from Mzumbe University, this seminar provided invaluable insights that go beyond the textbooks.
“I’ve learned that procurement auditing, which I once thought of as a threat to entities, is actually essential for achieving organisational goals,” Nemris explains.
“I now understand how auditing works in practice and how to identify potential risks before they turn into real problems. And the focus on ethics was crucial avoiding corruption in procurement isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about creating an environment where ethical conduct is the norm.” Nemris isn’t alone in feeling empowered. Nassoro Hussein, a participant from the Open University of Tanzania, was equally enthusiastic.
“The seminar provided us with up-to-date knowledge on procurement laws and best practices,” he says. “As recent graduates, we learned how procurement works in the real world, not just in theory. It’s these kinds of hands-on, practical experiences that make a real difference in our careers.”
The benefits of the seminar extend beyond the classroom (or lecture hall) thanks to the ample networking opportunities it provided. For many participants, connecting with others in the procurement and supply chain fields was a key takeaway.
And with future sessions already in the works, there’s hope that even more people will have the chance to take part in these free, high-value programmes.
Mathew Mkoma from the Kühne Foundation, who sponsored the event, couldn’t be more pleased with how things went.
“Our goal is to eliminate inefficiencies in the procurement and supply chain sectors, especially in government-related activities,” he says.
“We believe that by providing education and training, we’re ensuring that individuals involved in the value chain derive more value and are better equipped to do their jobs effectively.”
And really, that’s the heart of this whole initiative providing tangible, hands-on training that empowers individuals and improves systems. The ultimate goal? A more efficient, transparent and ethical procurement system in Tanzania.
With continued support from sponsors like Kühne Foundation and institutions like Mzumbe University, it seems like the country is on the right path to achieving just that. So, if you missed this seminar don’t worry.
There’s always the next one and believe us, you won’t want to miss it. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, the lessons learned here are invaluable.
And with the 2023 amendments shaking up the procurement landscape, there’s no time like the present to get on board. After all, as the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time? Well, that’s now.
