Joseph Isangura
Deputy Minister of Finance Hamad Hassan Chande has called on the Zanzibar Government to establish a robust public procurement system using local expertise.
According to him, such a move will not only ensure effective oversight of government spending on procurement but also bring much-needed transparency and efficiency to the process.
Chande made these remarks in Dodoma while meeting with the Budget Committee from the Zanzibar House of Representatives. The committee had visited the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) to gain insight into best practices for managing public procurement.
He explained that adopting a structured system would simplify the procurement process, increase accountability, and provide a clearer picture of the real value of public funds. Chande lauded the committee for their proactive approach, noting that the timing of their visit aligns with Zanzibar’s ongoing efforts to improve its procurement laws.
“This is a wise decision because public institutions account for a large share of government budgets, with more than 70% of our funds going toward procurement. As you finalize your Procurement Bill, it’s critical to get the law right to avoid unnecessary challenges,” Chande remarked.
He encouraged the Zanzibar delegation to maintain close ties with the PPRA for further knowledge sharing and suggested a visit to Arusha to observe how a fully functional procurement system operates.
Speaking on behalf of the Budget Committee, Chairperson Mwanaasha Khamis Juma said Zanzibar is currently revising its procurement laws, and the visit to the PPRA was a key step in ensuring they are equipped to advise the government effectively.
“This committee plays a crucial role in approving the government’s budget, which includes funding for major projects. Procurement is at the heart of these projects, so we wanted to learn from our counterparts on how best to manage these processes,” Juma explained.
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Zanzibar’s Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Juma Makungu Juma, echoed the importance of the visit, emphasizing that a significant portion of national resources is allocated to procurement activities. He noted that it is critical for the government to ensure these funds are used responsibly and efficiently.
“This trip allows us to learn from Tanzania Mainland’s experiences. Although our systems differ, we can draw valuable lessons about their successes and challenges in managing procurement,” Makungu added.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Zanzibar’s government to ensure that its procurement processes meet global standards, enabling more effective use of public resources while enhancing transparency and accountability.
