DAR ES SALAAM: MORE than 33,500 groups representing youth, women, older persons and people with disabilities have secured 3,466 government tenders worth 74.32bn/- in just over three years, in a move to widen access to public procurement opportunities.
The contracts were awarded between July 1, 2023 and October 13, 2026, as the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) intensifies efforts to expand participation in government business and ensure more citizens benefit from public spending.
The achievement was highlighted by 2026 National Uhuru Torch Race Leader, Mr Wazo Mwang’onda, in his report during the race’s climax at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Sumbawanga, Rukwa Region, on Wednesday. Addressing the gathering, which coincided with Nyerere Day and National Youth Week, Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi commended PPRA for strengthening systems that enable more citizens to access government tenders and participate in economic activities.
“I commend PPRA for the significant and exemplary steps it has taken to open up public procurement opportunities to our people. The fact that more than 33,500 groups of citizens have been registered and accessed tender contracts worth over 74.32bn/- is clear evidence that the government is working for all Tanzanians,” Mr Ndejembi said.
The report showed that youth-led groups accounted for the largest number of registered beneficiaries, at 16,582, followed by women-led groups with 15,412. Groups representing older persons numbered 789, while those comprising people with disabilities totaled 741. Youth-led groups secured the highest number of contracts, winning 2,066 worth 40.56bn/-. Women-led groups obtained 1,264 contracts valued at 29.76bn/-.
Groups representing older persons secured 93 contracts worth 3.36bn/-, while those comprising people with disabilities received 43 contracts valued at 635.7m/-. The figures highlight the role of public procurement in creating business opportunities and expanding economic participation among groups that may otherwise face challenges competing for government tenders.
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Earlier, Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Youth Development, Dr Joel Nanauka, also commended PPRA for helping young people access economic opportunities through public tenders and government contracts.
“Young people are the backbone of this nation’s workforce. Public procurement reports overseen by PPRA clearly show how doors of opportunity have been opened,” Dr Nanauka said.
He described the achievement as a significant milestone, saying it deserved sincere commendation. PPRA continues to encourage youth, women, older persons and people with disabilities to register in official public procurement systems and pursue tenders advertised by procuring entities.
The authority also promotes transparency, accountability and wider public participation in procurement processes in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.