Procurement Gains, Gaps Persist
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 – The Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply says procurement and supply professionals are contributing to national development through improved project delivery, accountability and economic growth. However, it warns that major gaps still exist in the sector.
ZIPS President Daniel Kabamba said positive results are being driven by improved use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), better infrastructure implementation, and growing professionalism among practitioners in both public and private sectors.
He said local authorities have recorded progress in CDF utilisation, crediting procurement professionals for improving transparency and efficiency in project execution.
Kabamba noted increased infrastructure development and improved service delivery, supported by stronger procurement systems and adherence to procedures.
He also pointed to the mining sector, saying procurement professionals have supported production growth through innovation and resilience, helping Zambia move toward higher copper output targets.
He added that audit findings show improvements in stores management, reflecting the impact of training and capacity-building programmes.
However, Kabamba said challenges remain. He cited delays caused by bureaucracy, which continue to slow down project delivery and services.
He also raised concern over the use of unqualified personnel in procurement, warning that it weakens professionalism and increases risk.
He further noted skills gaps, saying more training is needed to align practitioners with modern procurement standards.
Weak planning and late stakeholder engagement were also identified as factors affecting efficiency. He added that limited use of technology is slowing progress in some institutions.
On policy issues, Kabamba said enforcement of local content rules under Statutory Instrument No. 68 remains weak, especially in the mining sector, where stronger local participation is needed.
He also pointed to governance concerns, including discussions on restructuring the stores function to improve accountability and efficiency in public resource management.
Kabamba said the Institute will conduct independent investigations into procurement concerns and will publish its findings to ensure transparency.
He stressed the need for cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure fair and objective outcomes.
He also called for stronger monitoring and evaluation systems, saying data-driven oversight is key to timely and cost-effective project delivery.
Despite the challenges, Kabamba praised government efforts to professionalise procurement, including requirements that only certified practitioners handle procurement functions in public institutions.
He also welcomed collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Cabinet Office, as well as progress on the National Procurement Policy, which he said will improve efficiency and accountability.
Kabamba urged practitioners to embrace “speed in procurement” while maintaining strict compliance with regulations.
He reaffirmed ZIPS’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability, saying the institute will continue training and supporting practitioners nationwide.
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