The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Malawi has intervened in a procurement process involving the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc). On October 9, 2026, the ACB issued a restriction notice, directing Admarc to halt the proposed K2.97 billion contract for the supply of 100 tarpaulins to Maiden Investment. This decision was made pending an audit of the procurement process to ensure its integrity.
According to ACB spokesperson Jacqueline Ngongonda, the decision to halt the procurement was prompted by complaints on social media regarding the intended contract sum and suspected irregularities in the contract award. The ACB's acting director general, Gabriel Chembezi, invoked the Corrupt Practices Act, specifically Section 23(1), to justify the halt. This section empowers the ACB to prevent corrupt practices by scrutinizing procurement processes.
The proposed contract, registered under reference number Admarc/NCB/TP/2026/2027/02, had reached an advanced stage before the ACB's intervention. Admarc had notified bidders and the public that it had completed the evaluation process and intended to award the contract to Maiden Investment. The corporation valued the contract at K2 966 980 045 for 100 tarpaulins, which translates to approximately K29.67 million per tarpaulin.
The procurement process began on August 10, 2026, when Admarc invited bids for the supply and delivery of tarpaulins through national competitive bidding. The submission of bids closed on August 31, 2026. According to the tender documents, the delivery of the tarpaulins was expected to be completed within four weeks of signing the contract. Admarc uses tarpaulins for its warehousing and commodity-handling operations across the country.
Admarc operates warehouses nationwide with a combined storage capacity of 400,000 metric tonnes. The corporation plays a critical role in Malawi's agricultural sector by managing storage and facilitating marketing for various commodities. The ACB's intervention has raised questions about the procurement process and the value of the contract.
The restriction notice issued by the ACB specifically directs Admarc's chief executive officer not to undertake any transaction relating to the procurement without the ACB's written consent. This move is part of the ACB's mandate to prevent corrupt practices under the Corrupt Practices Act. The ACB's actions aim to ensure transparency and accountability in public procurement processes.
At the time of reporting, Admarc had not commented on the restriction notice issued by the ACB. The ACB's decision to halt the contract has implications for Admarc's operations and the supply of essential goods. The outcome of the procurement audit will be crucial in determining the future of the contract and addressing concerns about potential irregularities.
Key points
- The ACB halted Admarc's K2.97bn tarpaulin deal due to suspected irregularities and complaints on social media.
- The contract was for the supply of 100 tarpaulins to Maiden Investment at approximately K29.67 million per tarpaulin.
- The ACB's intervention aims to ensure transparency and accountability in public procurement processes.
