LEGAL OVERVIEW OF ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT IN TANZANIA

Abstract

Electronic procurement (e-Procurement) refers as the integration of digital technologies in the replacement of paper-based procedures throughout the procurement process whereby, there is the use of information and communication technology (ICT) by the government or its agencies in every stage of the purchasing process. At present, e-Procurement has become the global adopted function performed by many nationals including Tanzania.

Electronic Procurement covers a number of elements including; the ability to download bidding documents from website; submission of bids through an electronic tender box; development of procurement management information systems (PMIS) to assist procurement reporting, oversight and monitoring as well as the publication of contract awards on the website of a procurement regulatory board. Commonly, there is the integrated database systems and wide area network communication systems in part or entire purchasing process which encompasses the initial need identification and specification by users, through the searching, sourcing, negotiation of contracts, order placement, and mechanisms that register receipt, trigger payment and support post-supply evaluation.

Developments in information and communication technology, internet and other web-based technologies in particular have led to the shift from the traditional paper-based procurement to the electronic procurement system. This shift has led to the improvement of the procurement processes in general but specifically in terms of reduction of procurement cost, minimization of delays, control of corruption and achievement of value for money. 

This paper summarizes the main benefits of using e-procurement and its evident flaws in public sector in Tanzania. The author propose reform that could be undertaken to make legal aspects of e-procurement suitable in Tanzania.