It is a common misconception that government supply chains in Zimbabwe are closed to outsiders. In fact, the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) actively encourages foreign participation, especially for high-value contracts and technical projects where specialized skills are required.
As of 2026, the process has been fully digitized through the electronic Government Procurement (eGP) System, making it easier for international firms to register without needing a physical office in Harare.
1. The Foreign Supplier Framework
Foreign companies can register with PRAZ to supply goods, services, or construction works. While local companies have specific categories (Micro, SME, and Large), all foreign entities fall under the “Foreign Organizations” bracket.
The Governing Law
The registration and procurement processes are governed by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act [Chapter 22:23]. This Act allows for “International Competitive Bidding,” where foreign firms are invited to compete alongside locals.
2. Requirements for Foreign Registration
Because you won’t have the standard Zimbabwean “CR6” or “CR14” forms, ZIMRA and PRAZ accept equivalent documents from your country of origin.
Mandatory Documents:
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Certificate of Incorporation: A certified copy of your registration from your home country’s registrar (e.g., Companies House in the UK or CIPC in South Africa).
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Articles and Memorandum of Association: Your company’s constitutive documents.
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List of Directors & Shareholders: An official document listing the current leadership and ownership structure (equivalent to a Zimbabwean CR6/CR14).
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Application Letter: A formal letter on company letterhead expressing your intent to register as a supplier.
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Company Profile: A detailed document showcasing your track record, previous contracts, and technical capabilities.
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Proof of Nationality: Clear passport copies of all directors and major shareholders.
3. The 2026 Fee Structure
Under the revised January 2026 fee schedule, registration costs for foreigners are significantly higher than for locals to reflect the administrative vetting required for international entities.
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Annual Registration Fee: US$850.00 per category.
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Validity: The certificate is valid for one calendar year and expires every December 31st, regardless of when you registered during the year.
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Currency: Payments must be made in USD into the PRAZ Nostra FCA account (CBZ Bank).
4. Registration Process: Step-by-Step
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Portal Access: Visit the PRAZ eGP Portal and select “Signup.”
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Organization Profile: Select the option for “Foreign Registered Organization.”
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Data Entry: Enter your foreign registration number and primary contact details.
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Category Selection: Choose the specific categories you wish to bid on (e.g., Medical Equipment, Engineering Services, ICT Software). Note that the $850 fee applies per category.
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Document Upload: Upload the PDF versions of your foreign registration documents.
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Payment: Generate a system invoice and upload your swift remittance (proof of payment).
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Vetting & Approval: PRAZ typically verifies foreign applications within 48 to 72 hours. Once approved, you can download your digital certificate.
5. Important Caveats for Foreign Bidders
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Local Content Requirements: For certain construction and large-scale projects, foreign winners may be required to subcontract at least 30% of the work to local Zimbabwean firms to facilitate skills transfer.
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Domestic Preference: Zimbabwean law allows procuring entities to give a price preference (usually around 10%–15%) to local bidders. This means if a local bid is slightly more expensive than yours, they might still win the contract.
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Vendor Number: If you win a tender, you will eventually need to apply for a Vendor Number from the Ministry of Finance to receive payments.
