PRAZ Registration Requirements and Process
The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) is the body responsible for regulating and overseeing public procurement and the disposal of public assets in Zimbabwe. Registration with PRAZ is mandatory for any individual, company, or organization that intends to participate in government and public tenders or supply goods, works, or services to government entities, ministries, and parastatals.
Why Register with PRAZ?
Eligibility for Government Tenders: Registration is a prerequisite for participating in any public sector tender.
Access to Business Opportunities: Government entities represent significant business opportunities.
Competitive Advantage: Registered suppliers gain an advantage over unregistered competitors.
Inclusion in Government Database: Registered entities are included in the government’s database of suppliers, accessible on the PRAZ website.
Publication in Government Gazette: The names of registered businesses are published in the Government Gazette, increasing their visibility to government buyers.
Regulatory Compliance: Registration ensures compliance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act (Chapter 22:23).
General Requirements for PRAZ Registration:
The specific documents required for PRAZ registration vary depending on the type of entity applying. However, some common requirements include:
Company/Business Registration Documents:
- Private Business Corporation (PBC): Incorporation Statement.
- Private Limited Company (PLC): Certificate of Incorporation, CR6 (List of Directors), CR5 (Business Physical Address), and Articles and Memorandum of Association.
- Partnerships/Syndicates/Joint Ventures: Partnership Agreement showing a list of partners/controlling members/managers and particulars showing the extent of Zimbabwean and foreign shareholding.
- Company Profile: A document outlining the company’s background, experience, and capabilities.
- Contact Details: Email address and telephone numbers.
- Physical Address: Proof of the business’s physical location.
- Tax Clearance Certificate: Evidence of compliance with tax regulations.
- Proof of Payment: Payment of the applicable PRAZ registration fee.
- Application Letter: A formal letter expressing interest in registration.
For Individual Consultants:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Proof of Qualifications.
Important Notes on Documents:
- All documents usually need to be scanned and uploaded in PDF format during the online registration process.
- For documents exceeding five pages, often only the first two pages need to be uploaded.
PRAZ Registration Categories:
Applicants need to register under specific categories of goods, works, or services they supply. There are numerous categories available, spanning various sectors. Examples of categories include:
- Agricultural Equipment and Accessories (GOODS)
- Construction and Civil Works (buildings, dams, roads etc.) (CONSTRUCTION)
- Catering Services (SERVICES)
- Supply of Stationery Products and Paper Raw Materials (GOODS)
- Information Technology Consultancy Services (SERVICES)
A comprehensive list of categories can usually be found on the PRAZ website or through related resources. Businesses with multiple lines of business may need to register under more than one category.
PRAZ Application Process:
The primary method for PRAZ registration is online through the Zimbabwe Electronic Government Procurement System (eGP) portal: https://egp.praz.org.zw/
The general steps for online registration are as follows:
- Sign Up:
- Visit the eGP system portal.
- Click on “Signup” and fill in the required details, including a unique email address (which will serve as the username), password, and primary contact information.
- Answer a security question and provide the answer.
- Click “Send OTP to Email” to receive a One-Time Password for email verification.
- Enter the OTP received in your email (check the spam folder if not found in the inbox).
- Click “Verify OTP.”
- Upon successful verification, you will be directed to the login page.
Log In and Complete Supplier Profile:
- On the login page, select “Login as Supplier.”
- Enter your registered email address and password.
- Complete the Supplier Organization Profile, providing details such as organization type (local or foreign), organization name (must match previous PRAZ certificate if applicable), registration number, and previous PRAZ registration number (if applicable).
- Provide organization bank account details (at least one is mandatory for future refunds).
- Add details of directors (as per CR6 for new companies or CR14 for old companies).
- Add shareholder details.
- Upload the required supporting documents in PDF format. Ensure accuracy to avoid rejection.
- Accept the declaration and click “Save and Complete.”
Apply for Categories:
- Navigate to the “Category Application” menu and click “Apply Category.”
- Click “Select Category” to view the list of available categories.
- Select the relevant category(s) by ticking the checkboxes.
- Click “Save.”
Make Payment:
- The system will display the fees payable based on the selected categories and registration duration (annual or quarterly for local companies).
- Choose the currency type (USD or ZiG).
- Tick the disclaimer.
- Click “Proceed for Payment.”
- An invoice will be generated.
- Make payment via bank transfer or through the mobile banking platforms integrated into the portal. Bank details for PRAZ are usually available on their website.
- If paying via bank transfer, you will need to upload proof of payment on the portal.
Submit Application:
After making payment and uploading proof (if applicable), submit your application for approval.
Verification and Approval:
PRAZ will verify the payment and review your business profile. This process may take approximately 2-5 working days.
Notification and Certificate:
Successful applicants will be notified, and their names will be published in the Government Gazette and on the PRAZ website.
You can view and download your PRAZ certificate through the eGP system portal. The certificate will indicate the registered categories and the expiry date (December 31st of the year of registration). The certificate also contains a verification code for government agencies to check its authenticity.
Validity and Renewal:
PRAZ registration is valid until December 31st of each year and must be renewed annually. Information regarding the renewal process and timelines is usually communicated by PRAZ towards the end of the year.
Cost of Registration:
The registration fees vary for local and foreign companies and may also depend on whether you are registering for the full year or per quarter (for local companies). As of late 2022/early 2023, annual registration fees were around US$120 or ZWL equivalent for local companies and US$850 for foreign companies per category. Quarterly registration for local companies was around US$30 or ZWL equivalent. It is advisable to check the latest fee structure on the PRAZ eGP portal or the PRAZ website.
By following these requirements and the outlined process, individuals and organizations can successfully register with PRAZ and become eligible to participate in public procurement opportunities in Zimbabwe.
