Supplying goods or services to the Government of Zimbabwe can be a highly rewarding business opportunity — but before you can qualify for any public tenders, you must be registered with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ).

If you’ve ever wondered how to get your PRAZ registration certificate or why it’s so important, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — step-by-step.

1. What is PRAZ and Why is Registration Important?

The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) was established under the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act [Chapter 22:23] to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in public procurement.

Every company or individual who wants to do business with government ministries, departments, state-owned enterprises, or local authorities must be registered with PRAZ.

Having a PRAZ Registration Certificate confirms that your business:

  • Is a legitimate and compliant supplier
  • Has met all regulatory and tax requirements
  • Is eligible to bid for government tenders and contracts

Without this certificate, your company cannot legally participate in any public procurement process.

2. Who Should Register with PRAZ?

PRAZ registration applies to a wide range of businesses, including:

  • Suppliers of goods (e.g., stationery, vehicles, uniforms, building materials, ICT equipment)
  • Service providers (e.g., consultancy, cleaning, training, maintenance, catering, logistics)
  • Contractors and construction firms (e.g., builders, civil engineers, plumbers, electricians)

Whether you’re a small company, a startup, or a large enterprise, if you intend to trade with any government institution, registration with PRAZ is mandatory.

3. Benefits of Having a PRAZ Certificate

Beyond legal compliance, having a PRAZ certificate gives your business several key advantages:

Access to Government Tenders: You can participate in tenders at national, provincial, and local levels. Credibility and Trust: Being listed on the PRAZ supplier database boosts your company’s reputation. Networking Opportunities: You’ll gain access to procurement notices, supplier databases, and official procurement bulletins. Ease of Doing Business: Many parastatals and NGOs prefer working with PRAZ-registered companies.

In short, PRAZ registration opens the door to lucrative opportunities and long-term government contracts.

4. Requirements for PRAZ Registration in 2025

Before applying, make sure your business meets the following minimum requirements:

For Companies:

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • CR6 (List of Directors)
  • CR14 (List of Shareholders)
  • Current Tax Clearance Certificate (ITF263) from ZIMRA
  • Valid Business Operating License (from your local authority)
  • Company Profile or Business Proposal
  • Proof of Physical Address and Contact Details
  • National ID copies of company directors

For Sole Traders or SMEs:

  • Business Name Registration Certificate
  • Valid Tax Clearance Certificate
  • Proof of Address and ID Copy
  • Business Profile or Description of Services

Depending on your business category, PRAZ may also request additional documents such as certificates of competence (for technical trades) or professional licenses (for consultants, auditors, or engineers).

5. Step-by-Step Guide to Register with PRAZ

Step 1: Visit the PRAZ Website

Go to the official website — www.praz.gov.zw — and navigate to the Supplier Registration Portal.

Step 2: Create an Account

You’ll need to create an account using your company details, including name, registration number, contact person, and email address.

Step 3: Choose Your Category

Select your supplier category based on what your company offers. Categories include:

  • Goods
  • Services
  • Works (construction, civil works, etc.)
  • Consultancy

Each category has subcategories, so choose the most relevant to your operations.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Fill in all required information accurately — including your company’s physical address, contact numbers, and director details. Upload the supporting documents listed above.

Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee

PRAZ charges an annual registration fee depending on your category and business size. As of 2025, fees typically range between ZWG 75,000 and ZWG 250,000 for most small and medium businesses.

Payments can be made via:

  • Bank deposit
  • Mobile money (EcoCash or OneMoney)
  • Electronic transfer (RTGS)

Keep your proof of payment as you’ll need to upload it to the portal.

Step 6: Submit and Wait for Approval

Once submitted, PRAZ officials will review your application and may request clarification or missing documents.

If all is in order, you’ll receive an email notification confirming your approval.

Step 7: Download Your PRAZ Certificate

Log in to your PRAZ account and download your PRAZ Registration Certificate, which will include your Supplier Number and category.

Print and keep it safely — you’ll need to attach it whenever you submit a tender bid.

6. Renewal and Validity

The PRAZ Registration Certificate is valid for one calendar year (January to December).

To maintain compliance and avoid being removed from the supplier database, renew your certificate before it expires. Renewal requires updated documents (like tax clearance and licenses) and payment of the annual registration fee.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many suppliers face delays or rejections because of small but avoidable errors:

  • Submitting expired documents
  • Uploading blurry or incomplete scans of certificates
  • Selecting the wrong supplier category
  • Using different company names on documents
  • Ignoring email communication from PRAZ after submission

Accuracy and consistency across all documents are key to a smooth approval process.

8. Pro Tips for Successful PRAZ Registration

  • Ensure your ZIMRA Tax Clearance Certificate is valid and up to date.
  • Include a clear company profile describing your goods or services.
  • Maintain a professional company email and phone number.
  • If you’re in a technical trade, upload proof of qualifications or membership with a professional body.
  • Keep digital copies of all your certificates for easy renewal next year.

9. Why 2025 Is the Year to Register

Zimbabwe’s government is scaling up infrastructure, ICT, education, and healthcare projects under National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).

This means significant funding will flow through public procurement — and only PRAZ-registered suppliers will benefit.

Registering now positions your business to access more tenders, build credibility, and grow sustainably in a formal market.

Conclusion

Getting your PRAZ Registration Certificate isn’t just about compliance — it’s about unlocking opportunity.

With proper documentation, attention to detail, and understanding the online process, any business in Zimbabwe can successfully register and start competing for government contracts.

As 2025 unfolds, public procurement will continue to drive local entrepreneurship. Make sure your business is ready — get PRAZ-certified and join Zimbabwe’s network of trusted suppliers.