Joseph Isangura
Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko called on procurement and supply chain professionals to always uphold the highest ethical standards in their work, emphasizing the key role they play in supporting the government’s development plans.
During the opening of the 15th Annual Procurement and Supply Experts Conference in Arusha, Dr. Biteko highlighted the immense responsibility these professionals carry, noting that over 70% of the national budget is allocated for procurement-related activities.
“It’s concerning to see some in the profession involved in corrupt practices, as this directly harms our nation’s progress,” Dr. Biteko said. “If you’re even considering unethical behavior, I urge you to stop immediately. The law is watching closely, and those responsible will be held accountable.”
Dr. Biteko stressed that maintaining integrity and steering clear of bribery is not just about following the law—it’s about ensuring that public funds are used effectively to drive the country’s growth and development.
Benezeth K. Ruta, Vice Chairperson of the Procurement and Supply Professionals’ Board (PSPTB), also addressed the conference, expressing concern about the shortage of qualified procurement experts, especially at the local government level. He explained that some local councils have been relying on unqualified staff to handle procurement, leading to financial mismanagement.
“Relying on unqualified personnel has cost the government a lot of money, and this needs to change,” Ruta said, urging all procurement professionals to continually improve their skills and knowledge to ensure proper handling of public funds.
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Meanwhile, the Public Procurement Appeals Authority (PPAA) revealed that it has successfully blocked nearly 583 billion Tanzanian shillings in potential losses over the past four years, preventing financial mismanagement in 162 procurement projects at different stages of the process.
James Sando, the Executive Secretary of PPAA, praised the authority’s efforts and stressed the importance of vigilance in protecting public resources. He emphasized that the goal is to ensure that taxpayers’ money is used for the betterment of society.
The conference brought together procurement professionals from across the country, providing an opportunity for them to share best practices, address challenges, and reinforce the importance of ethical conduct in the public procurement sector.
Dr. Biteko concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving the professionalism of procurement and supply management, ensuring that public resources are spent wisely to achieve Tanzania’s development goals.
