The Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) has announced the rollout of Malawi’s mandatory electronic procurement system, marking a major shift from paper-based processes to a fully digital platform aimed at improving transparency and efficiency.
The system, known as the Malawi National Electronic Procurement System (MANePS), officially takes effect from April 1, 2026, following a government directive requiring all public procurement activities to be conducted electronically.
PPDA Acting Director General Timothy Kalembo said the reform represents a decisive step in modernizing public finance management in the country.
“This is a system which entails that all public procurement processes in Malawi are going to be utilizing this system.We are no longer going to use paper,” he said.
Kalembo emphasized that the transition is backed by government policy issued in March 2026, mandating all public entities to adopt the platform without exception.
“The move to mandate all entities to utilize this electronic system is to ensure that government is in the right direction,” he said, describing it as a critical policy shift.
He added that the initiative aligns with the national development blueprint, Malawi 2063, which prioritizes transparency, efficiency and value for money in public financial management.
“It is a big government policy in the right direction to ensure transparency and that we achieve value for money,” Kalembo said.
According to PPDA, the system is expected to significantly reduce costs and logistical burdens for suppliers and institutions by enabling remote submissions and registrations.
“Suppliers will no longer need to travel long distances just to submit documents or register, as this will be done at the click of a button,” Kalembo said.
