Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, has underscored the importance of swift and transparent decision-making in public procurement to prevent delays and ensure the efficient use of public funds.
Speaking at the Procurement Committee Members Workshop in Lusaka today, Mr. Kangwa emphasized the need for effective cost management to safeguard public resources.
He urged procurement committees to insist on justifiable pricing based on market trends and the total cost of ownership.
“Weak contract monitoring and inadequate supplier performance evaluations have led to project failures and significant losses of public funds,” said Mr. Kangwa.
Mr. Kangwa further called for ethical procurement practices and greater transparency to restore public confidence and improve procurement outcomes.
Meanwhile, Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) President Daniel Kabamba highlighted the psychological aspect of procurement. He noted that successful procurement goes beyond technical expertise, as it also involves stakeholder engagement, negotiation skills, and conflict resolution.
“Procurement professionals must develop strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and an ethical mindset that fosters trust and collaboration,” Mr. Kabamba stated.
Elizabeth Mutale
