The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) joined procurement experts, policymakers and industry leaders from across the continent at the 4th Annual Public Procurement Symposium, held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Organised by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), themed: “Beyond Compliance: Strategic Thinking for the Modern Procurement Professional”, the symposium provided a platform for knowledge sharing, policy dialogue and the exchange of best practices in public procurement systems. This year’s gathering focused on how procurement can evolve from a compliance-focused function to a strategic enabler for organizations.

Representing Ghana from DVLA, a delegation led by Ambassador Professor Robert Tay, DVLA’s Head of Procurement and Stores, gave a presentation on “From Compliance to  Strategy: The Evolution of Procurement Roles.” He emphasized the increasing importance of risk management, digital platforms and ethical considerations in modern procurement.

Amb Prof Tay pointed out that tools like supplier financial analysis, supply chain mapping, and cloud-based systems are improving efficiency, transparency and control. Meanwhile, evolving expectations around ethics, sustainability and transparency are raising procurement to a strategic level within organizations.

“Procurement decisions now impact corporate reputation and stakeholder relationships in addition to operational performance,” he said, adding that this had cemented procurement’s strategic position in institutions.

The symposium also offered opportunities to explore cross-border collaborations and align procurement practices with regional and international standards. Through its participation, DVLA’s presence reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in public service delivery, leveraging strategic partnerships and modern procurement approaches to enhance operational efficiency.

The Authority’s engagement in this high-level forum reflects its dedication to adopting global best practices while championing innovation and good governance in Ghana’s public sector.