Zimbabwe Introduces National Standard Price List For Government Procurement
Zimbabwe has introduced a National Standard Price List for government procurement, a move authorities say will standardise the cost of goods and services supplied to the State and curb overcharging by suppliers.
The announcement was made on 13 March 2026 by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion together with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ). Officials say the new pricing framework will guide how ministries, departments, state-owned enterprises, and local authorities buy goods and services.
According to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, the system is designed to bring consistency and transparency to public spending.
“The Government has introduced a National Standard Price List (NSPL) to guide the procurement of commonly used goods and services across Ministries, Departments and Agencies,” the ministry said in a statement issued on 13 March 2026.
“This measure has been introduced to guarantee value for money in public spending by addressing price inconsistencies across MDAs and enhancing control over public expenditures.”
Government Targets Pricing Irregularities
Authorities say the new list will serve as a benchmark when government institutions purchase goods or services.
Officials indicated that the framework aims to reduce major differences in prices that have previously been quoted by suppliers dealing with different government departments.
“The implementation of the NSPL is expected to enhance cost savings, transparency, and efficiency in public procurement,” the ministry said.
“This will support national development priorities and strengthen financial management across government institutions.”
The measure forms part of broader reforms aimed at tightening oversight of how public funds are spent.
Officials added that the price list will operate alongside the electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system, which authorities say is meant to modernise and monitor procurement activities.
Priority For Locally Produced Goods
Government also announced that locally produced goods will receive priority in procurement processes.
Authorities said the policy is aligned with the priorities outlined in the 2026 National Budget Statement.
“Priority will be given to domestically produced goods and services,” the ministry stated.
Officials also revealed that government intends to lead in the use of the local currency when paying local suppliers.
“Payments to local suppliers will be made solely in the local currency,” the statement explained.
However, authorities acknowledged that reference prices may still be quoted in United States dollars in some cases to maintain consistency.
According to the [Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ)], quoting prices in US dollars provides a stable reference point.
“This is necessary to provide a uniform reference framework and reduce pricing distortions caused by currency conversion,” PRAZ said.
New System Takes Immediate Effect
Government confirmed that the National Standard Price List has already taken effect following its issuance by PRAZ.
Treasury also said implementation guidance has already been circulated to public institutions.
“Further guidance on implementing the NSPL has already been communicated to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies through Treasury Circular No. 4 of 2026 and PRAZ’s Circular No. OPS/2 of 2026.”
Authorities added that the price list is publicly available through official government platforms.
Officials said the measure forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening public financial management systems in Zimbabwe.
The price framework will now guide procurement decisions across ministries, government agencies, state-owned enterprises, and local authorities.
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