Mthuli Ncube rolls out price list to curb supplier overcharging

A national price list just got dropped onto Zimbabwe's e-procurement system to block suppliers from gouging the government on everyday purchases.

Standard price list targets overpricing

• Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube confirmed the National Standard Price List is live.
• It covers all goods and services the government typically buys locally.
• Any pricing above the specified range gets automatically rejected.
• PRAZ hosts the list on its website and manages the e-procurement system.

ZiG payments are now the default locally

• The government will pay in ZiG for all locally produced goods supplied.
• Ncube said this move is meant to boost local-currency demand.
• The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe issued a supporting statement on forex access.
• Importers can still source US dollars through their banks legitimately.

Foreign reserves back up the currency

• Zimbabwe holds US$1.2 to US$1.5 billion in hard-currency reserves.
• Gold is part of that reserve cushion.
• Ncube says that covers the ZiG currently in circulation.
• He insisted there is zero reason to stress about forex access.

Contractor payments should improve

• Blocking overpayments prevents the government from falling behind on bills.
• Over-contracting gets eliminated when pricing stays within range.
• Goods sourced internationally will still be paid in US dollars.
• Ncube framed the whole system as restoring procurement order.