Dr. Ruswa Takes Helm of African Public Procureme...

Dr. Ruswa Takes Helm of African Public Procurement Network, Pledges Reforms

Witness Runodada- Zim Now Reporter

In a landmark ceremony at the Munhumutapa Building, Dr. Clever Ruswa officially assumed the presidency of the African Public Procurement Network, pledging to advance professionalisation, sustainability, and inclusivity in procurement across the continent.

Addressing an audience that included Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, Dr. Ruswa described the appointment as both an individual honour and a national achievement.

"This is not just a personal milestone," he said. "It is a significant moment for our nation as we embrace the opportunity to lead the continental network."

Outlining his vision, Dr. Ruswa emphasised the need to professionalise procurement practices to foster economic and social development. "Procurement is a vital driver of progress, and we must ensure our practitioners are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethical standards," he noted.

He stressed the importance of embedding sustainability principles in procurement processes, balancing economic efficiency with environmental and social responsibility. "Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is a guiding principle that will shape our decisions," Dr. Ruswa declared, underscoring the relevance of Environment, Social, and Governance initiatives in ethical procurement.

To enhance capacity-building efforts, Dr. Ruswa announced the continuation of APPN’s monthly webinars, accessible in English, Portuguese, and French, aimed at bridging knowledge gaps and sharing best practices across Africa.

As the African Continental Free Trade Area continues to evolve, Dr. Ruswa also called for affirmative procurement policies to empower marginalised communities. "It would be remiss of me to leave out those who have been historically disadvantaged," he said. "Meaningful empowerment is crucial for economic growth."

Urging collaboration among APPN members, Dr. Ruswa concluded by encouraging active participation in knowledge-sharing initiatives. "Together, we can build a vibrant and dynamic procurement community that benefits us all," he said.