The Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) has officially launched a new electronic procurement (e-procurement) system, marking a major leap toward transparency, efficiency, and accountability in its supply chain management.
The new system was unveiled during the 2025 CBE Supplier Day held at the CBE Complex, Ezulwini, on Friday. The system, developed in-house by the Bank’s Information Technology Division, went live today.
The platform allows suppliers to register, upload compliance documents, and compete for tenders online from the comfort of their offices or homes. It replaces the traditional paper-based procurement process, which the Bank says has been both time-consuming and cumbersome.
Unlike the previous system, suppliers can now register at any time, without waiting for a tender to be advertised before joining the database. The system features two main components: a supplier registration portal that feeds into the CBE database, and a tender application interface that automates the submission and evaluation process, reducing manual errors and administrative delays.
Speaking during the event attended by over 430 suppliers, CBE’s Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Isabel Made, said the e-procurement platform underscores the Bank’s commitment to fair competition and open access for all businesses, large and small.
“This platform will allow suppliers to register online, upload compliance documents, and be considered for opportunities more efficiently,” she said. “It will reduce paperwork, save time, and ensure a more transparent and accessible process for everyone.”
Made further revealed that the Central Bank recently earned the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Standard for Integrity and Professionalism, an international certification that recognizes excellence in ethical procurement practices.
“It’s not just a certificate on the wall,” she stressed. “It’s a commitment, a daily reminder that we must uphold integrity and excellence in every transaction, big or small.”
Deputy Director of Procurement, Warren Dlamini, said the e-procurement system is part of the Bank’s broader modernization strategy aimed at aligning internal operations with global best practices.
“This state-of-the-art platform was developed internally,” he explained. “We didn’t buy it off the shelf. It’s tailored to our needs and will continue to evolve as we pilot and improve it.”
Dlamini emphasized that the Bank’s suppliers are key partners in fulfilling its mandate and invited all current and prospective vendors to register on the new system to access future procurement opportunities.
“Our suppliers are the engine that keeps us moving,” he said. “By joining the e-procurement platform, you position yourselves to contribute meaningfully to our growth and to the country’s economic transformation.”
The new digital platform also supports the Bank’s long-term procurement reform agenda, which aims to streamline processes, promote local participation, and strengthen ethical compliance across all transactions.