Malawi's PPDA Cracks Down on Public Contracts with New Compliance Directive

The Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) in Malawi has issued a directive requiring government ministries, departments, and other procuring entities to provide evidence of funding for major procurement contracts. These contracts were signed between April 1 and October 31, 2026. The PPDA Director General, George Mankhwala, has set a deadline of November 20, 2026, for the submission of the required information.

The directive applies to procurement contracts that had an Intention to Award Notice published and subsequently proceeded to contract signing. According to Mankhwala, the exercise is being undertaken in accordance with Section 5(1) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act Number 7 of 2025. The requested evidence should be in the form of a certification as provided in regulation 36 of the Public Procurement Regulations of 2026.

The threshold for publishing an Intention to Award Notice is K500 million, regardless of the type of procurement involved. The authority intends to use the collected information to assess the level of compliance among public institutions with Section 25(2)(a) of the procurement law and Regulation 36 of the 2026 regulations. This move aims to ensure that public institutions do not commit the government to contracts without first establishing whether resources are available.

Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency Executive Director Willy Kambwandira has lauded the initiative, stating that it is a good move. He believes that public institutions should not be allowed to commit the government to contracts without first establishing whether resources are available. This directive is seen as a step towards promoting transparency and accountability in public procurement.

The PPDA's directive is a significant step towards ensuring that public procurement processes are transparent and accountable. By requiring evidence of funding for major procurement contracts, the authority aims to prevent unnecessary expenditures and promote fiscal responsibility. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the management of public funds in Malawi.

The PPDA's efforts to promote compliance with procurement regulations are ongoing. The authority has previously taken steps to ensure that public institutions adhere to procurement laws and regulations. This directive is part of a broader effort to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in public procurement.

The deadline for submission of the required information is November 20, 2026. The PPDA expects all government ministries, departments, and other procuring entities to comply with the directive. Failure to comply may result in consequences, although these have not been specified. The authority is expected to analyze the submitted information and assess the level of compliance among public institutions.

Key points

• The PPDA requires evidence of funding for major procurement contracts signed between April and October 2026.
• The directive aims to promote transparency and accountability in public procurement.
• The threshold for publishing an Intention to Award Notice is K500 million.