In a move that has stirred public debate, the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) of Zimbabwe, tasked with overseeing the regulation of agricultural products, has invited companies to tender for the supply and delivery of a number of high-end electronic devices.
The call for tenders includes 11 iPad Pro 11-inch, 3 iPhone 15 Pro Max, and 8 iPhone 15.
AMA, is a critical player in Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape, entrusted with the crucial role of regulating production, marketing, and processing within the sector.
However, the decision to seek tenders for premium tech gadgets has raised eyebrows, prompting questions about the appropriateness of such acquisitions.
In an official announcement, AMA extended an invitation to companies to participate in the tender process for the specified electronic devices.
The inclusion of 11 iPad Pro 11-inch, 3 iPhone 15 Pro Max, and 8 iPhone 15 has not gone unnoticed, with concerns being raised about the financial prudence of such acquisitions.
The recent disclosure has led to public uproar as the market value of each device is being questioned.
According to Google, the minimum cost of a single latest Apple iPhone 15 is USD799.
In his social media post, Hopewell Chinono, an award-winning journalist and also one of the dissatisfied citizens, expressed his views.
He said, “This is a tender issued by the Agricultural Marketing Authority of Zimbabwe for luxury iPhones and iPads in a country with almost 1000% inflation, the highest in the world….”
He went on to say, “I am deeply disappointed to know that my money is being used to by the most expensive iPhones in the world, I don’t even own an iPhone 15 Max yet I am one of the farmers generating this money!…” .
Our attempts to obtain a response from AMA regarding the accusations against them were unsuccessful.
The tender will be closing at noon on the 19th of the upcoming month (February 2024), and all bidders are advised to meet the following requirements;
–tender document (upon paying a non- refundable fee of ZWL64431.00)
– Company profile with traceable references
-Current Tax Clearance Certificate (ITF 263)
-Copy of Certificate of Incorporation
-Registration with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe
– Proof of payment of tender document.
These are to be submitted to address provided on .
Check full details on the picture below;
By Afrogazette
