Transparency International Zimbabwe on Monday engaged Members of Parliament of Zimbabwe over its analysis of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Amendment Bill, 2025, raising concerns that some proposed changes may weaken transparency safeguards.
According to TI Zimbabwe, the meeting focused on “whether the proposed changes genuinely advance transparency, accountability, and integrity.”
The anti-corruption body acknowledged that the Bill introduces reforms, including “stronger system evaluation, annual oversight of procuring entities, and publication of award notices,” but argued that several clauses require tightening.
“A major concern is the ‘national interest’ exemption, which remains broadly framed and risks limiting transparency if not clearly defined,” TI Zimbabwe said, warning that “stronger safeguards, clearer criteria, and oversight disclosure mechanisms are essential to prevent misuse.”
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The organisation also questioned whether the draft law sufficiently aligns with Section 56 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality and non-discrimination. It said there was need to ensure “full alignment with Section 56 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, safeguarding non-discrimination and fair competition.”
TI Zimbabwe cautioned that procurement rules must prioritise “technical capacity and value for money” and avoid provisions that could “unintentionally enable political influence or proxy participation.”
The engagement further stressed the importance of “firm sanctions for misrepresentation, fake documentation, and procurement fraud” as well as protecting institutional independence to prevent excessive concentration of regulatory power.
The discussion, TI Zimbabwe said, underscored the need for “a procurement law that is clear, fair, constitutionally grounded, and capable of reducing corruption risks while improving service delivery outcomes for citizens.”
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