Secretary to the Treasury, Cliff Chiunda, has issued a firm and urgent call to Controlling Officers and Chief Executive Officers across government to fully embrace the Malawi National Electronic Procurement System, describing the transition not as a mere digital upgrade, but as a far-reaching governance reform with the power to reshape public finance management.
Chiunda:
Speaking in Lilongwe on Wednesday during an orientation session for Controlling Officers and Heads of Department, Chiunda said the mandatory rollout of the e-procurement system on April 1, 2026, signals “the beginning of a new chapter in Malawi’s procurement story”—one defined by transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
“E-procurement is not merely a technological upgrade — it is a governance reform,” Chiunda emphasized before a high-level audience that included Principal Secretaries, Directors, and Public Relations Officers. He underscored that the reform aligns with key national frameworks such as Malawi Vision 2063, the National Economic Recovery Plan, and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, placing procurement at the heart of national transformation.
Why E-Procurement Matters
Chiunda did not shy away from confronting the past. He noted that public procurement consumes a significant portion of the national budget, yet for years, manual and paper-based systems have left room for inefficiencies, costly delays, and malpractice.
The new electronic system, he explained, is designed to reverse this pattern through four core pillars: enhancing transparency by ensuring every transaction is traceable; improving efficiency through automation that reduces procurement cycles and administrative costs; increasing fair competition by opening equal access to tender opportunities; and strengthening accountability through real-time data for monitoring and reporting.
Controlling Officers: Custodians of Change
In a message that carried both responsibility and expectation, Chiunda described Controlling Officers and Chief Executives as “the custodians of this change,” stressing that their role goes far beyond compliance.
“Your responsibility is not just to adopt the system, but to champion it,” he said. “Ensure your teams are fully trained, embed ethical standards into your procurement culture, and use the system’s data to drive informed, strategic decisions.”
While acknowledging the inevitable challenges of transition—including technical capacity gaps and resistance to change—Chiunda reassured participants that government, through the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA), will provide sustained training, technical support, and policy guidance to ensure a smooth rollout.
Call to Action: Lead With Integrity
Chiunda closed with a direct and practical call to action, urging Controlling Officers to lead by example, actively provide feedback to refine the system, and promote a culture of integrity in every procurement decision.
In a powerful conclusion, he tied the reform to a deeper national objective—public trust.
“Malawi National e-procurement is not just about technology; it is about trust,” he said. “It is about ensuring that every tambala of public resources works for the people of Malawi.”
He commended the officers for their participation, noting that their presence signaled a shared commitment to ensuring that public finance management speaks with a “strong, coherent, and unified voice.”
The orientation brought together Principal Secretaries, Chief Executives, Directors, and Communications Officers from across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, marking a decisive step as government moves to institutionalize a modern, transparent, and accountable procurement system.
