The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) has acknowledged that women and other marginalized groups face significant obstacles in securing business tenders and accessing financial support.
Women in the construction industry, in particular, have highlighted barriers such as limited financial resources and exclusion from tender opportunities. Many tenders are reportedly awarded to individuals with connections to high-ranking government officials, often referred to as “tenderpreneurs.”
In response to inquiries from NewsDay Business, PRAZ Chief Executive Officer Clever Ruswa admitted that women, youth, people with disabilities, and other disadvantaged groups struggle to participate in procurement processes.
To address these challenges, PRAZ has been gathering data to formulate policies that promote inclusivity. “Recognizing these difficulties, PRAZ is developing Affirmative Procurement Guidelines to support women, youth, people with disabilities, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and war veterans in accessing procurement opportunities,” Ruswa stated.
In 2024, the authority conducted a nationwide survey to collect input from these groups, which was later reviewed in January 2025 to ensure the guidelines reflect their needs.
Affirmative procurement refers to policies designed to provide underrepresented groups with better access to economic opportunities, ensuring a more equitable business environment. Ruswa clarified that while all tenders are awarded through a competitive process, legal provisions exist to give preference to local contractors and special interest groups.
According to Section 29 of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, domestic bidders receive preference during evaluations. Additionally, Section 8 of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets General Regulations states that construction projects valued under US$10 million are exclusively reserved for local contractors. Special interest groups, including women-owned businesses, also receive a pricing preference.
Efforts to get a comment from the Zimbabwe Building Constructors Association were unsuccessful as their CEO was unavailable for comment.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Women in Construction President Elizabeth Chikudunga expressed frustration over the financial hurdles women face. “As contractors, we struggle to access funding, especially bank loans. Women in Construction are rarely awarded tenders, with most going to men,” she said.
She further pointed out that financial institutions, including the Women’s Bank, are not fully supporting female entrepreneurs. “Banks demand extensive requirements, such as two years of cash flow records, which many small businesses cannot provide, leaving numerous women without assistance,” Chikudunga added.
Women in rural areas, in particular, face even greater challenges, further limiting their participation in the construction sector.
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