By Phiwa Sikhondze
In a move to enhance inclusivity in Eswatini’s public procurement, the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ESPPRA) is revising regulations to ensure that local businesses are better able to participate in government tenders.
Vusi Matsebula, CEO of ESPPRA, highlighted these reforms during the Revenue Blueprint Masterclass on Saturday, calling on both government officials and entrepreneurs to engage in fostering a more inclusive and resilient economy.
Speaking at the masterclass, Matsebula emphasized that while public procurement holds significant potential for economic growth, local businesses often face barriers that hinder their full participation. According to Matsebula, the revised regulations aim to level the playing field and make it easier for local businesses to compete.
Matsebula highlighted key provisions within the Public Procurement Act, particularly Section 10 and Regulation 29, which mandate that all public procurement entities, of which there are 93, send their tender documents to ESPPRA for review.
These regulations empower ESPPRA to ensure that tenders are fair and inclusive, preventing discrimination based on overly specific requirements such as brand specifications that could limit competition.
The goal, Matsebula explained, is to ensure that local businesses, particularly small and emerging enterprises, are not excluded from bidding opportunities due to restrictive specifications or other barriers.
“By reviewing tender documents before they are released, we are ensuring that they are accessible and not skewed in favor of specific brands or companies, making it easier for local businesses to participate,” Matsebula said.
One of the key reforms involves simplifying the tendering process itself. According to ESPPRA, many local entrepreneurs are intimidated by the complexity of tender documents, which often involve technical jargon and intricate specifications.
To address this, ESPPRA is working to make the documents more user-friendly. They have introduced standard bidding documents that are pre-written and only require procurement entities to add specific details. This streamlined process aims to make tenders more accessible, particularly for first-time bidders.
“The simplified language in these documents and the standardization will ensure that even young entrepreneurs can navigate the procurement process with ease. We want to eliminate the intimidation factor and ensure that more local businesses have the opportunity to participate,” Matsebula added.
In addition to simplifying the procurement process, ESPPRA is focused on building capacity within the local business community. Matsebula emphasized that ESPPRA has partnered with organizations like the World Bank, which provides funds for training programs aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to compete in the procurement space.
These training sessions, often held in collaboration with various stakeholders, are designed to break down the procurement process and teach local businesses how to effectively participate in tenders.
“We want to ensure that no business is left behind. The training is not just about understanding procurement regulations, but also about building the skills needed to manage large contracts and expand operations.
It’s about ensuring that when local businesses win tenders, they have the capacity to deliver,” Matsebula stated.
Matsebula’s speech also included a call for collaboration among all stakeholders, including government officials, business owners, and the public procurement community.
He urged all parties to work together towards a sustainable business ecosystem that benefits local entrepreneurs while contributing to the national economy.