The adoption of electronic procurement through the Electronic Government Procurement (eGP) System is touted to have the potential to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in public procurement processes in Malawi.
Chief Executive Officer for the Private Public Partnership Commission (PPPC), Patrick Kabambe, stated the notion on Tuesday in Lilongwe when officials from the Commission appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information and Communication to update it on the progress of the Digital Malawi Program Phase 1: Digital Foundations Project and the forthcoming the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project (DMAP).
The PPPC in conjunction with the Ministry of Information and Digitalization (MoID) under Digital Malawi Program Phase 1 is supporting the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority through investments in the eGP System designed to enable Procuring and Disposal Entities (PDEs) to publish tender notices, receive bids from suppliers, as well as manage contracts.
Kabambe said the system will promote integrity in public procurement by eliminating face-to-face interactions, which often lead to corruption.
He said: “Any fight against corruption is predominantly centered on procurement. Therefore, by having an eGP system in place, we believe this will go a long way in supporting the government’s efforts in combating corruption in this country.”
Reflecting on the progress of the Digital Malawi Program Phase 1, Kabambe said the project has accomplished significant milestones, highlighting its pivotal role in transforming the country’s digital landscape.
He highlighted several accomplished milestones such as the provision of internet services to 530 public institutions, the construction of the National Data Center in Lilongwe, and the provision of digital skills training to over 19000 youths and women across the country.
Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee, Ishmael Grant, commended the Commission for successfully implementing the Digital Malawi Program Phase 1, acknowledging its substantial impact on the country’s digital landscape.
He urged the commission to continue its close collaboration with the committee and other stakeholders to further these achievements.
