In Zimbabwe’s evolving economic landscape, tenders present a lucrative opportunity for businesses to secure contracts with government ministries, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), NGOs, municipalities, and large corporates. However, navigating the tender process successfully requires strategic positioning, compliance, and a deep understanding of the local business environment.
This article explores the tendering process in Zimbabwe, common challenges, ways to improve your chances of winning, and critical success tips tailored to the Zimbabwean context.
What is a Tender?
A tender is a formal and structured process where an organization invites bids from interested parties to provide goods, services, or undertake projects. This process ensures transparency, value for money, and fairness in procurement. In Zimbabwe, tenders are typically issued by:
- Government departments and parastatals (e.g., ZINARA, ZESA, NRZ, ZINARA)
- Municipalities (e.g., Harare City Council, Bulawayo City Council)
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- International development agencies
- Private corporations
Types of Tenders in Zimbabwe
- Open Tenders – Publicly advertised in newspapers and online platforms like the Government Gazette or The Herald.
- Selective/Restricted Tenders – Only selected suppliers are invited to submit bids.
- Request for Quotations (RFQs) – Used for low-value procurements; requires fewer compliance procedures.
- Expression of Interest (EOI) – Pre-qualifies vendors for future tenders.
Steps in the Tender Process in Zimbabwe
- Tender Notice Publication
Tenders are advertised through newspapers, ministry websites, the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) portal, or on the UN Zimbabwe and NGO sites.
- Purchase and Collection of Tender Document
Tender documents are purchased (usually for a fee), and include the scope of work, eligibility criteria, technical requirements, and submission instructions.
- Bid Preparation
Companies must prepare detailed documents including:
- Company profile
- PRAZ registration certificate
- CR14, CR6, Certificate of Incorporation
- ZIMRA Tax Clearance
- NSSA compliance certificate
- Audited financials
- Technical and financial proposals
Submission of Bid
Submitted in sealed envelopes by a set deadline to the tender issuing office.
Tender Opening and Evaluation.
Public opening of bids, followed by technical and financial evaluation by a procurement committee.
Award of Contract
The winning bidder is notified via official letter or publication. Others may be informed of the outcome and reasons for disqualification.
- Contract Signing and Implementation
How to Position Your Business to Win Tenders in Zimbabwe
1. Register with PRAZ
To be eligible for public sector tenders, your business must be registered with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ). This is a mandatory requirement.
2. Build a Solid Compliance Record
Ensure your business has:
- A valid ZIMRA tax clearance certificate
- NSSA compliance
- Updated company documents (CR14, CR6)
- Traceable physical address and bank account
3. Specialize and Build a Track Record
Focus on a specific industry (e.g., ICT, construction, catering, stationery supply) and build experience and references. Decision-makers look for proof of capacity and past performance.
4. Form Strategic Partnerships or Joint Ventures
If your company is small or new, partner with an established entity to improve your technical and financial strength. This is common in infrastructure and energy tenders.
5. Prepare Competitive and Compliant Bids
Avoid generic proposals. Tailor each bid to match the tender requirements. Pay close attention to the evaluation criteria. Include all required documents and avoid errors (like missing signatures or outdated certificates). Submit well before the deadline.
6. Follow Up Professionally
After submission, don’t hesitate to follow up politely for updates or to request a debrief if you lose. This shows seriousness and helps you learn.
Common Challenges in Zimbabwe’s Tendering System
1. Bureaucratic and Lengthy Processes
Tender adjudication can be slow due to multiple layers of approval, especially in public institutions.
2. Lack of Transparency
In some cases, especially in public tenders, corruption or favoritism may undermine fair competition.
3. High Cost of Bidding
Some tenders require expensive documents or costly bid bonds and performance guarantees. This limits access for SMEs.
4. Poor Feedback for Unsuccessful Bidders
Many businesses receive no feedback, making it hard to improve future submissions.
5. Inconsistent Enforcement of PRAZ Guidelines
Despite having a solid regulatory framework, enforcement is inconsistent, and some entities still flout PRAZ rules.
Additional Tips for Success in Zimbabwean Tenders
- Network with procurement officers ethically through industry associations and expos.
- Subscribe to tender alert services like Tender Notice Zimbabwe or use social media pages where tenders are shared.
- Keep your company branding and digital presence professional – even simple things like a proper company email address and website matter.
- Invest in proposal writing capacity – either in-house or through consultants who understand the language and structure of winning proposals.
- Stay updated with changes in procurement laws and PRAZ circulars.
Final Thoughts
Winning tenders in Zimbabwe is not just about offering the lowest price — it’s about credibility, compliance, and strategic positioning. While the system has its flaws, many businesses — both small and large — have secured long-term growth through tenders.
If you take the time to understand the process, build a strong brand, and present professional, well-thought-out bids, you can place your business in the best position to win.
Prosperitas Digital helps businesses in Zimbabwe build their online presence and branding — including company profiles, tender-ready documents, and digital portfolios — that can boost your chances in competitive bidding processes.