THE fourth Annual Public Procurement Symposium which kicked off in Bulawayo this Monday, is tackling knowledge gaps established by the skills audit conducted by the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development.
The symposium, organised by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), has drawn delegates from across the public and private sectors, all seeking to enhance their competencies in line with emerging procurement trends.
Delegates expressed confidence that the symposium will equip them with new skills and facilitate vital professional connections.
“The symposium reminds us of how best we can procure and manage funds with the government and also gain skills. We will share the challenges we are facing as procurement professionals,” an attendee said.
PRAZ’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Clever Ruswa contends procurement professionals need a skills boost, hence the hosting of the symposium.
“We feel that our professionals need soft skills, that is why we have invited colleagues from other entities to come and share some of the issues.”
The Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima noted that procurement professionals must embrace new skills to effectively navigate the future, shifting their focus from mere cost measures to strategic alignment with national goals.
“As procurement professionals, I cannot overemphasise the importance of embracing the convergence of skills. This means integrating technical knowledge with other soft skills. By fostering a diverse skill set, we can better navigate the complexities of procurement and contribute to achieving our government’s vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030,” he said.
“As we stand on the cusp of an era defined by rapid technological advancements, globalisation, and evolving market dynamics, it is very important for procurement professionals to embrace a set of core skills and competencies that will enable them to navigate this ever-changing landscape.”
Junior procurement officers from across the spectrum are also attending the two-day symposium, a platform for sharing ideas on good procurement practices.
