ESPPRA, CEEC advance citizen empowerment procurement reforms

MBABANE – The implementation of Eswatini’s Citizen Economic Empowerment (CEE) framework is gaining tangible traction.

The Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA) is now partnering with the Citizens Economic Empowerment Council (CEEC) to strengthen local participation in public procurement.

At the centre of this latest development is the rollout and promotion of the Eswatini MSME Registry Portal, a digital platform designed to connect micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with government procurement opportunities.

The initiative marks a significant step in operationalising the Citizen Economic Empowerment Act, which seeks to increase the participation of emaSwati-owned businesses in the mainstream economy.

The Citizen Economic Empowerment (CEE) Act of 2023 aims to increase the participation of indigenous emaSwati in the economy by prioritising local businesses for government tenders, enhancing access to finance and fostering skill development. It established the CEEC in 2024 to regulate and drive these inclusive growth initiatives

The CEEC, chaired by businessman Lincoln Motsa, is working closely with ESPPRA to ensure that the portal becomes a cornerstone of a more inclusive and transparent procurement system.

The collaboration signals a strategic shift towards leveraging public procurement as a tool for economic empowerment.

Procuring entities, including government ministries, parastatals, State-owned enterprises and municipalities, are now being encouraged to utilise the MSME Registry Portal as a primary source for identifying local suppliers.

By doing so, authorities aim to unlock opportunities for local businesses that have historically struggled to access government tenders due to limited visibility and complex administrative requirements.

The portal offers procuring entities access to a diverse and verified pool of local suppliers, enabling them to source goods and services more efficiently while supporting national development objectives. This aligns with broader government efforts to ensure that a greater share of public expenditure benefits local enterprises.

One of the key advantages of the MSME Registry Portal is its potential to improve transparency within the procurement ecosystem. By centralising supplier information and standardising registration processes, the platform reduces the risk of opaque practices and promotes accountability.

*Full article available on Pressreader*