The Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) in Malawi has announced that vendors who fail to register on the Malawi National Electronic Procurement System (Maneps) by December 31 will be barred from doing business with the government. This move is part of the authority's efforts to modernize public procurement, improve efficiency, and curb corruption. As of October 2026, 7,704 suppliers have registered on Maneps.
According to PPDA Director General George Mankhwala, technology adaptation has been a challenge due to poor infrastructure development. To address this issue, the authority plans to establish hubs with internet facilities and gadgets to ease operations, especially in areas with network challenges. Mankhwala made these remarks during a media engagement with Nyika Media Club members in Mzuzu City.
The PPDA has introduced Maneps to make digital procurement mandatory for all ministries, departments, and agencies since April 1, 2026. The system aims to increase transparency and accountability in public procurement. However, Mankhwala noted that only nine percent of registered suppliers are small and medium enterprises. The authority is working to encourage more small and medium enterprises to register on the system.
Any procuring and disposing entity (PDE) that fails to move to Maneps by December will face penalties. Mankhwala emphasized that the authority has been conducting training with PDEs and suppliers since the system's rollout, and it is expected that everyone will be on board by January 2027. The PPDA is confident that the system will improve the efficiency and transparency of public procurement.
Nyika Media Club Vice President Clementina Pondelani welcomed the training, saying it was crucial for stakeholders to understand the new system. The PPDA has been working to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed about the benefits and requirements of Maneps. The authority is also working to address any challenges that may arise during the implementation of the system.
The introduction of Maneps is part of the PPDA's efforts to modernize public procurement and improve efficiency. The system will help to reduce corruption and increase transparency in public procurement. The PPDA is working to ensure that all stakeholders are on board with the new system and that it is implemented successfully.
The PPDA's efforts to encourage registration on Maneps are ongoing. The authority is working to engage with suppliers and PDEs to ensure that they understand the benefits of the system and the requirements for registration. By December 31, all vendors must be registered on Maneps to continue doing business with the government.
Key points
- The PPDA will bar vendors who fail to register on Maneps by December 31.
- The authority plans to establish hubs with internet facilities and gadgets to ease operations in areas with network challenges.
- Only nine percent of registered suppliers on Maneps are small and medium enterprises.
