Procurement Oversight Matters


ZIPS says procurement professionals are critical to accountability, transparency, and effective public sector reforms

By Francis Maingaila 
Lusaka, Zambia24  --- 11 -05 -2026) -- The Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply (ZIPS) says procurement oversight matters in strengthening accountability and improving the management of public resources as government continues implementing governance reforms across key public institutions.

ZIPS Secretary General Richard Mumbi told Zambia24 that the legislative reforms currently before Parliament are a positive step towards improving corporate governance, efficiency, and economic transformation.

Mumbi said the review of statutory bodies and public boards shows government’s commitment to strengthening institutions and promoting transparency in the management of public resources.

He said some of the reforms under consideration include the National Council for Construction (Amendment) Bill, the Citizens Economic Empowerment (Amendment) Bill, the Minerals Regulation Commission (Amendment) Bill, the Public-Private Partnership (Amendment) Bill, and appointments to the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) Board.

Mumbi said the reforms provide an opportunity for government to include procurement and supply chain professionals on Boards and Board Committees in strategic public institutions.

He explained that procurement and supply chain management has evolved into an important governance and risk management function that directly affects public spending, infrastructure delivery, transparency, and value for money.

Mumbi noted that according to the World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), public procurement accounts for between 12 and 20 percent of GDP in many economies.

He said effective procurement systems are important in promoting economic growth, fiscal discipline, infrastructure development, and public trust.

Mumbi warned that the absence of procurement professionals at decision-making level has contributed in many countries to procurement irregularities, poor contract management, delayed projects, and loss of public resources.

He appealed to government, Members of Parliament, ministries, and appointing authorities to deliberately include procurement professionals, including representatives from ZIPS, on Boards and Board Committees where procurement oversight is critical.

Mumbi said involving procurement experts at Board level would strengthen accountability, improve transparency, reduce procurement risks, and support the effective implementation of national development programmes.

He added that procurement and supply chain management should be recognised alongside professions such as law, finance, engineering, and medicine because of its importance to national development.

Mumbi reaffirmed ZIPS’ commitment to working with government and stakeholders to promote professionalism, integrity, transparency, and efficiency in Zambia’s procurement systems.

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