Strengthening Transparency in Public Procurement
In the 2025/26 financial year, the Public Procurement Appeals Authority (PPAA) successfully resolved 96.7 percent of the procurement appeals it received, marking a significant step toward ensuring accountability and value for money in government spending. The authority processed 58 out of 60 appeals within the legally prescribed timeframe, with the remaining two being carried over into the current financial year.
This achievement highlights the PPAA’s commitment to addressing procurement disputes promptly and fairly. By resolving these cases efficiently, the authority has fostered a more transparent and equitable environment for both bidders and procuring entities. This mechanism allows stakeholders to seek redress when disagreements arise, promoting trust and confidence in public procurement processes.
Ms. Agnes Sayi, Head of Legal Services at PPAA, emphasized that the performance reflects ongoing efforts to enhance transparency. “During the 2025/26 financial year, PPAA received approximately 60 appeals and successfully determined 58 of them within the required timeframe. The remaining two appeals have been handled in the current financial year,” she stated.
Ms. Sayi made these remarks during the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba), where PPAA is showcasing its work under the Ministry of Finance pavilion. The event serves as a platform to highlight the authority’s role in improving public procurement practices.
Digital Transformation in Public Procurement
Tanzania is undergoing a broader transformation in public procurement, with a focus on digitalization. This shift aims to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and strengthen oversight in the management of public resources. As part of this initiative, the government mandated electronic public procurement, prompting the PPAA to collaborate with the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) to develop the Complaints and Appeals Module within the National e-Procurement System of Tanzania (NeST).
The module became operational in February 2025, enabling procurement stakeholders to submit and track complaints and appeals through an electronic platform. This digital system is expected to streamline the process, enhance transparency, and reduce administrative delays associated with manual submissions.
To ensure effective use of the new system, the PPAA conducted training sessions for 2,600 procurement stakeholders across the country. These included 1,907 bidders and 705 public officials. Ms. Sayi noted that the training has empowered stakeholders to utilize the Complaints and Appeals Module effectively.
Enhancing Public Awareness
At the Sabasaba Trade Fair, the PPAA is also conducting public awareness activities focused on the procedures for submitting and determining complaints and appeals related to procurement processes. These initiatives aim to educate stakeholders on various issues, including:
- Appeals related to debarment from participating in public procurement proceedings
- Complaints arising from delays by accounting officers to issue decisions within the required timeframe
- Applications for filing appeals out of time
Other areas covered include applications for enforcement of PPAA orders, setting aside decisions made without hearing affected parties, and reinstatement of appeals.
Importance of Effective Dispute Resolution
Public procurement remains a critical channel for allocating government resources. Ensuring effective dispute resolution mechanisms is essential to guarantee that contracts are awarded fairly and deliver value to citizens. The PPAA’s efforts in resolving appeals and promoting digital solutions contribute significantly to this goal.
