Officers told to mobilise special groups for procurement quota
DODOMA: THE government has called on Social Welfare and Development Officers across Tanzania to actively educate and mobilise citizens particularly women, youth and people with disabilities on the 30 per cent public procurement quota reserved for special groups.
They have also been urged to promote group registration to ensure formalisation as well as full participation to enable them to benefit from the initiative.
The call was made on Thursday by Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Ms Felister Mdemu, while officiating a one-day training session in Iringa for Social Development Officers from ward to regional level.
Organised in collaboration with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), the session aimed to enhance officers’ capacity in navigating the official procurement framework, as outlined under the Public Procurement Act, Chapter 410.
“You must be at the forefront. This sector is cross-cutting and vital to transforming lives. Let’s not leave special groups behind. Educate and guide them to fully engage in these available opportunities,” said Ms Mdemu.
She said that the government has already opened the doors and now Social Welfare Officers must act as educators and advisors to help vulnerable groups register and participate.
“These opportunities won’t be fully utilised unless communities are reached in time by experts at local levels,” she said. Citing an example, Ms Mdemu underscored that the Iringa Region currently has only 12 registered groups, compared to 29 in neighbouring Mbeya, calling for urgent mobilisation and formation of new groups.
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Acting Iringa Regional Administrative Secretary,Mr Venance Ndiyagundula, expressed gratitude to the government for the initiative.
He said that the initiative will significantly enhance the officers’ performance and pledged the region’s commitment to closely oversee the implementation of the training outcomes in alignment with national goals.
The Ministry’s Director for Social Development, Patrick Golwike, pointed out that the key barrier for special groups is not the lack of opportunities, but rather inadequate preparedness.
“We are insisting on business discipline, readiness and a solid understanding of tender procedures. The ministry will continue to offer education through seminars, workshops and national campaigns to ensure that everyone who qualifies benefits,” he said.
Assistant Director for Gender Development, Ms Juliana Kibonde, said the core aim of the training is to empower Social Welfare and Development Officers to provide entrepreneurship education and help special groups fully participate in economic activities.
Some of the participants at the training commended the government for recognising the need to empower officers with practical skills and pledged to implement the lessons learned for the benefit of communities and the nation at large.
