THE Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and Zanzibar Public Procurement and Disposal Authority (ZPPDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to strengthen efficiency.

The agreement was signed in Dodoma yesterday in front of the chairpersons of boards of directors of both entities, members of the boards of directors and representatives of employees.

Others who were present during the signing ceremony were the director general of PPRA Eliakim Maswi, executive director of ZPPDA Othman Juma Othman and the management of PPRA.

Speaking after signing the MoU, Maswi said they agreed to cooperate in building experience for executives and developing practical knowledge by exchanging expertise in implementing strategic plans and in the procurement profession.

He said that they will cooperate in identifying laws and guidelines to bring productivity and accountability within the institutions, educate each other with important information and skills related to public procurement and the operation of public assets, exchange experiences and engage in opportunities to participate in forums and meetings related to public procurement.

“We have decided to cooperate because we are both in the United Republic of Tanzania and the work we do is similar; we have decided to cooperate and share experience in our work from 2022 and last year, PPRA board went to Zanzibar and held a meeting there,” he said.

“After that meeting, our leaders from both sides gave instructions that we meet and prepare an agreement to cooperate and enable both sides to work together.”

He said lawyers from both sides have worked in collaboration and have submitted proposals that they have deemed appropriate.

He added that they have agreed to give each other the necessary support through resources they have to build the capacity of both parties and keep them together.

“We will also consult about modern materials for the performance of duties, including electronic and other equipment for investigation and monitoring work. We will have joint activities that we do, including a joint meeting of the board of directors; each side will have the responsibility to consider, follow and implement this schedule,” he said.

He said it is a joint responsibility to prepare a vision and a report should be issued to develop strategies to bring productivity in our country.

“We have agreed to conduct regular short-term training for our authorities to go to each authority to learn on public property management activities and asset disposal,” he said.

Othman said: “We are working together in the interest of Tanzanians; we have signed the MoU and we are grateful that the Zanzibar Attorney General’s chambers has given its favourable opinion.”

Ahmed Makame Haji, Vice Chairman of ZPPDA board said the agreement was signed but it will not be complete if there is no implementation.

“As we have agreed, it is very important to ensure that the agreement is implemented and to set up a procedure to check if the agreement is implemented,” he said.

Dr Leonada Mwagike, Chairperson of PPRA board of directors, said after signing the agreement, what remains is implementation on time to ensure the real value for money is attained in public procurement.