DODOMA: The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has launched a new digital module aimed at improving oversight of public procurement. This development allows internal auditors to submit standardised audit reports, facilitating the detection of potential irregularities before they result in public fund losses.
Integrated with the electronic Public Procurement System (NeST), the module is designed to enhance the submission and analysis of procurement audit reports from over 1,000 public institutions.
PPRA Director General Dennis Simba announced the innovation on Thursday during the module’s User Acceptance Test (UAT) launch in Dodoma. He emphasised that the new system would enable timely information gathering, ensure compliance with procurement laws and facilitate early intervention in cases of identified weaknesses.
Over 50 public institutions participated in the two-day training and testing session to familiarise themselves with the module and evaluate its effectiveness.
Mr Simba noted that differing formats for procurement audit reports from various institutions had complicated consistent analysis and monitoring. “The lack of uniformity in reporting has hindered effective oversight,” he said, expressing confidence that the new module would resolve this by providing a common platform for reporting.
He highlighted the potential for digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, to further enhance analysis of procurement data and identification of risks, aiding the authority in making better-informed decisions.
Mr Simba urged internal auditors to be proactive, stressing the importance of early detection of issues and advising institutions on internal control measures. He advocated for public institutions’ leadership to take audit reports seriously, as these are vital for preventing mismanagement of funds.
Meanwhile, PPRA’s Director of Monitoring and Compliance, Eng Awadhi Suluo, stated that the module stems from efforts to fulfil Regulation 92, which mandates quarterly submission of procurement audit reports. He added that this initiative would bolster the authority’s capability to monitor procurement activities effectively.
