Media Wire Express Correspondent
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has called for a renewed commitment to professionalism, ethics, and accountability in public procurement systems across East Africa.
He delivered this message during the 16th East Africa Public Procurement Forum, where he represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the event. The forum, held in Dar es Salaam, also witnessed the launch of the NeST Electronic Procurement System, a significant step toward modernizing procurement processes in the region.
Dr. Biteko emphasized that transparency and ethical conduct in public procurement are fundamental to fostering trust between the government and its citizens. He warned that inefficiencies and unethical practices not only waste public resources but also slow down critical development initiatives. By strengthening public procurement systems, governments can ensure better service delivery and more efficient use of resources.
The NeST platform is expected to revolutionize procurement by streamlining processes and minimizing human intervention, thus curbing corruption and enhancing transparency. It will allow for better tracking of public spending and provide a reliable tool for monitoring procurement activities.
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Dr. Biteko’s remarks also highlighted the importance of continuous professional development for procurement officials. He encouraged stakeholders to adopt best practices and to be accountable for their actions, stressing that public procurement should always serve the best interest of the public. In his closing remarks, he reiterated that a robust procurement system is essential to achieving national development goals and fostering economic growth.
The forum, which brought together procurement experts and officials from across East Africa, is part of an ongoing regional effort to strengthen public procurement as a tool for good governance and economic development. With the launch of the NeST system, East African nations are poised to take significant strides in improving procurement practices and ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and transparently.
