The Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) in Malawi has announced the appointment of George Mankhwala as its new Director General. This appointment comes at a critical time when the government is implementing reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement. Mankhwala brings over 20 years of experience in public procurement oversight, policy reform, digitalization, and contract management.
Mankhwala's appointment has been welcomed by civil society organizations, who are calling on him to address corruption concerns and restore public confidence in the institution. The Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency Executive Director, Willy Kambwandira, has expressed expectations that the new chief will bring about meaningful changes in the management of the authority. Kambwandira emphasized the need for the new director general to demonstrate accountability in the management of public resources and ensure the authority operates independently of political influence.
Before his appointment, Mankhwala served as a Fiscal Agent Procurement Expert for Global Fund and Gavi grants in Malawi. He has also provided consultancy and advisory services to Millennium Challenge Corporation programs in several countries, including Belize, Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Kosovo, and Timor-Leste. Additionally, Mankhwala previously served as Head of Procurement and Supply Chain Management at the Malawi Revenue Authority, where he rose through the ranks from Procurement Assistant to Head of Division.
The PPDA has highlighted that Mankhwala's appointment comes as Malawi continues to implement the Malawi National Electronic Procurement System (MANePS). This system aims to digitize public procurement processes and improve the management of public resources. The authority believes that Mankhwala's expertise will be crucial in driving this digital transformation and ensuring the effective management of public resources.
Mankhwala holds a Master of Laws in Public Procurement Law and Policy from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom (UK). He also holds a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management from the University of Bolton in the UK and a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy and Finance from the University of Malawi, The Polytechnic. His educational background and extensive experience make him well-suited to lead the PPDA.
The appointment of Mankhwala as PPDA Director General is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the institution and enhance its credibility. With his vast experience in public procurement and supply chain management, Mankhwala is expected to drive reforms and ensure that the authority operates with transparency and accountability. The PPDA plays a critical role in overseeing public procurement processes, and Mankhwala's leadership is crucial in ensuring that these processes are efficient and free from corruption.
As Mankhwala assumes his new role, he faces the challenge of restoring public trust in the PPDA and ensuring that the authority operates independently of political influence. With the implementation of the Malawi National Electronic Procurement System (MANePS) and other reforms, Mankhwala has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the management of public resources in Malawi. His appointment has been widely reported in the media, including in publications such as The Daily Times.
Key points
- George Mankhwala has been appointed as the new Director General of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) in Malawi.
- Mankhwala brings over 20 years of experience in public procurement oversight, policy reform, digitalization, and contract management.
- The appointment comes as Malawi continues to implement the Malawi National Electronic Procurement System (MANePS) to digitize public procurement processes.
