Mbabane – The Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) has taken a major step towards digital transformation and transparency by launching a new e-Procurement system that will revolutionise how the institution engages with its suppliers.
The system was introduced on Friday during the Bank’s Annual Supplier Day at its headquarters in Ezulwini, where more than 350 suppliers gathered to witness the launch. The digital platform, which replaces manual and paper-based processes, will officially go live on Monday, 20 October 2025.
CBE Chief Financial Officer Isabel Made said the new system was developed entirely in-house by the Bank’s technical team. “This is a system built for you, our partners. It is paperless, time-saving, transparent and accessible to all suppliers, regardless of size or location,” she said.
The launch forms part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to modernise its operations and strengthen accountability in procurement. The platform will allow suppliers to register, view tenders, submit bids and receive award notifications online.
Deputy Director of Supply Chain, Warren Dlamini, gave a detailed presentation on how the system will improve efficiency and support Eswatini’s economic development. He explained that the Bank remains committed to empowering local businesses through fair and open procurement practices.
“Ninety percent of what you see around the CBE Complex today was procured through Eswatini-registered companies,” Dlamini said, drawing applause from the audience. He added that the Bank’s procurement approach is not only focused on efficiency but also on strengthening the local economy.
“When you support local suppliers, you support job creation, skills development and economic resilience. This system is another step towards ensuring Eswatini businesses can compete fairly and efficiently,” he said.
The e-Procurement platform is designed to fully digitise every stage of the procurement process — from tender publication and supplier registration to bid submission and award notifications. By eliminating manual paperwork, the system is expected to reduce delays, improve compliance, and promote greater transparency in all transactions.
The platform will be accessible through the Bank’s official website at www.centralbank.org.sz/tenders. During the event, suppliers were taken through a live demonstration showing how to navigate the platform, register their businesses and submit bids online. Many attendees expressed satisfaction with the platform’s ease of use and commended the Bank for prioritising accessibility and user experience.
Dlamini said the platform will particularly benefit small and medium enterprises by simplifying their interaction with the Bank. “This is not just about technology. It’s about levelling the playing field and making sure all suppliers, big or small, have the same opportunity to compete,” he said.
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