Public Procurement Symposium 2026
ZIFT, Bulawayo
June 10th to 12th 2026
THEME: “Public Procurement as a Strategic Catalyst: Driving Inclusion and Sustainable Economic Transformation”
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About Symposium
The Public Procurement Symposium, convened by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) in collaboration with UNICEF, is a high-level platform that positions procurement as a strategic catalyst for inclusion and sustainable economic transformation. It brings together policymakers, development partners, and practitioners to build transparent, efficient, and inclusive procurement systems that strengthen service delivery across health, education, and infrastructure.
Under the theme, “Transforming Public Procurement for Inclusion and Sustainable Economic Growth,” the Symposium highlights the vital role of innovation, transparency, and international best practices – such as the Standard Price List and UNSPSC classification in advancing good governance, economic resilience, and equitable access to essential services for vulnerable populations, including children.
Featured Sessions
Opening & High-Level Dialogue
Official opening of the Public Procurement Symposium with welcome remarks, a keynote address, and high-level dialogue. Sessions will explore inclusive public procurement and digital transformation — broadening participation of SMEs, women, and youth, and advancing e-procurement and data-driven decision-making.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026
08:00 AM to 17:30 PM
Technical Panels & Collaboration
Expert panels on sustainable and green procurement, procurement for social impact in health, education, and WASH, and standardisation through the Standard Price List and UNSPSC. Policymakers, regulators, and development partners will share lessons and practical strategies for strengthening procurement institutions.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026
09:00 AM to 17:00 PM
Breakouts, Governance & Closing
Breakout group discussions and plenary feedback sessions to consolidate insights into practical recommendations, followed by closing remarks and the way forward for inclusive, sustainable, and transparent procurement in Zimbabwe.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026
09:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Cultural Immersion & Networking
Leisure and cultural experiences, including a guided tour of the Matobo Hills and the historic Khami Ruins, an opportunity for delegates to network and relax in Bulawayo’s rich natural and cultural setting.
Friday, Nov 14, 2025
09:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Logistics Note
The Logistics Note provides practical information for all delegates attending the 5th Public Procurement Symposium 2026, jointly convened by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) and UNICEF, to be held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, from 10 to 12 June 2026.
About the event
The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), in collaboration with UNICEF, will host the Public Procurement Symposium 2026 in Bulawayo from 10 – 12 June 2026. Convened under the theme “Public Procurement as a Strategic Catalyst: Driving Inclusion and Sustainable Economic Transformation,” the symposium explores how procurement can advance inclusion, transparency, efficiency, and sustainable economic growth across key sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
Participants will include procuring entities across central government, local authorities, and state-owned enterprises, private sector bidders and SMEs, policymakers and regulatory bodies, development partners including UNICEF, civil society organisations, and academia. The 2.5 day symposium will run as a physical event featuring keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, case studies, and plenary sessions designed to share knowledge, build capacity, and promote practical solutions.
Aims of the Programme
Aims of the Programme
The Public Procurement Symposium 2026 seeks to:
- Promote inclusive procurement that broadens the participation of SMEs, women, and youth in public procurement.
- Strengthen transparency and accountability by reinforcing integrity, oversight, and fair, open procurement processes.
- Advance sustainable and green procurement through lifecycle costing, sustainable sourcing, and climate-resilient services.
- Drive digital transformation by promoting e-procurement, data-driven decision-making, and standardisation tools such as the Standard Price List and UNSPSC.
Main Activities
The programme will include:
- Opening and closing ceremonies led by PRAZ leadership, government officials, and UNICEF representatives.
- Keynote presentations on inclusion, sustainability, transparency, and digital transformation in public procurement.
- Expert panel discussions bringing together procuring entities, bidders, policymakers, regulators, and development partners.
- Case studies and country experiences showcasing practical solutions and lessons across health, education, and WASH procurement.
- Plenary discussions and feedback sessions to share insights and shape practical recommendations for reform.
Speakers at a Glance
The Public Procurement Symposium 2026 will feature over 8 distinguished speakers, including senior procurement officials, policymakers, regulators, and development partners. Key voices from PRAZ, UNICEF, and the public sector will share insights on inclusion, transparency, sustainability, and digital transformation. In addition, panellists drawn from procuring entities, industry associations, and academia will enrich discussions with practical experiences and sector-specific perspectives.
More on the Venue
The 5th Public Procurement Symposium will be hosted at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s premier exhibition and conference venue, located in the country’s second-largest city and historic “City of Kings.” The ZITF grounds offer extensive, modern exhibition and conference facilities in a setting that blends professionalism with Bulawayo’s rich cultural heritage – ideal for high-level dialogue and collaboration.
Speakers
Dr. C. Ruswa
PRAZ CEO
He has over 32 years of experience in supply chain management, establishing governance systems across public, private, and development sectors. He has led defense logistics and coordinated humanitarian operations across Asia and Africa. He is a Certified International Procurement Professional (IPSCMI-USA) and a Chartered Procurement Practitioner (FCIPS). He is competent in the use and application of Art of Empowering People, certified by SMI International Inc.
Mr. Criswell Nyakudya
Provincial Social Development Officer, Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare
A senior social development professional with over three decades of experience in social protection, child welfare, and programming for vulnerable groups. His work spans the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), the National Action Plan for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, public assistance, and the Harmonised Social Cash Transfer Programme.
Ms. Precious Masaga
Lecturer, Department of Sports Science & Coaching, National University of Science and Technology (NUST
She lectures in Sports Science & Coaching at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), holding an MSc from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a BSc from NUST, alongside a FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine and ISAK Level 3 certification. Her research spans biomechanics, performance profiling, and the documentation of Zimbabwean traditional games, and she mentors in the Africa Region 5 Women Leadership Programme.
Dr. Onai Muvingi
Dean, Faculty of Business Management Sciences and Economics, University of Zimbabwe
Financial management expert with over 35 years of experience across Zimbabwe’s public and private sectors. Currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Business Management Sciences and Economics at the University of Zimbabwe. Held senior roles in the Ministry of Finance and public-sector entities including five years as a Director of Finance and consulted on public financial management for multi-donor projects and UNICEF Zimbabwe, with notable work on Zimbabwe’s Public Finance Management Act. She holds a PhD from Cranfield University (UK), an MSc from Birmingham City University (UK), an MBA and a Bachelor of Accountancy Honours from the University of Zimbabwe.
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Exhibition & Advertising Opportunities
Position your organisation in front of Zimbabwe’s leading procurement decision-makers. The Symposium brings together procuring entities, regulators, development partners, and private-sector leaders – offering exhibitors direct access to a high-value professional audience.
Gold Package
Inclusive of Conference attendance- Package includes exhibition space (3m x 3m) to showcase your business with two (2) company representatives manning the exhibition
- Fee includes conference attendance for the 2 days of the conference for 2 company representatives
- Branding during the 2 days of conference duration i.e., a maximum of 4 upright (stand-alone) banners in the conference room/close proximity to conference room and maximum 4 tear-drop banners in the grounds.
- Opportunity to network with the public procurement practitioners in attendance
- Avail flyers, marketing brochures etc. for distribution to delegates.
Silver Package
Inclusive of conference attendance- Fee includes product exhibition space, conference attendance for 2 company representatives for the 2 days of the conference.
- Branding during the 2 days of conference duration i.e., a maximum of 2 upright (stand-alone) banners in the conference room/close proximity to conference room and maximum 4 tear-drop banners in the grounds (siting on first come, first served basis)
- Opportunity to network with the public procurement practitioners in attendance
- Avail flyers, marketing brochures etc. for distribution to delegates
MSME Package
Subtitle goes Here- Fee includes product exhibition space, conference attendance for 1 company representative for the 2 days of the conference.
- Branding during the 2 days of conference duration i.e., a maximum of 2 upright (stand-alone) banners in the conference room/close proximity to conference room and maximum 2 tear-drop banners in the grounds (siting on first come, first served basis)
- Opportunity to network with the public procurement practitioners in attendance
- Avail flyers, marketing brochures etc. for distribution to delegates
Account Name: Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe
| ZWL | USD |
|---|---|
| Bank: CBZ, Kwame Nkrumah Branch | Bank: CBZ, Kwame Nkrumah Branch |
| Account Number: 10721064850020 | Account Number: 10721064850108 |
The amount is payable in full and in advance in either USD or ZWL at the interbank rate of the day on date of payment. Payments are to be made into any of the following accounts:
Register Your Interest
To book your package or discuss sponsorship, contact exhibitions@praz.org.zw or call 0712 899 411 / 0713 047 983.
Contact Us
General Information
- Mr. Mqhele Tshuma | tshumam@praz.org.zw | +263 71 216 1164
- Mr. Kieth Chiroodza | chiroodzak@praz.org.zw | +263 71 289 9411
- Mrs. Enia Kagodo | kagodoe@praz.org.zw | +263 71 289 9420
Transport & Logistics
- Mr. Andrew Gombakomba | gombakombaa@praz.org.zw | +263 71 289 9413
- Mr. Edward Masvosva | masvosvae@praz.org.zw | +263 71 939 3962
- Mr. Collen Rutsate | rutsatec@praz.org.zw | +263 71 262 1534