12 December 2024 – Lilongwe, Malawi

The Director General of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA), Dr. Edington Chilapondwa, delivered a compelling presentation at the 2024 Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability Conference held at the Sigelege Boutique Hotel in Lilongwe. Organized by the Pan-African Learning and Growth Network, the conference brought together leaders from the private and public sectors under the theme “Creating a Sustainable Future through Leadership and Responsible Citizenship.”

Dr. Chilapondwa's keynote address, “Mastering Leadership: Why ESG is Crucial for Effective Procurement Governance; How will the Future Procurement Leaders Shape the ESG and Business Landscape?” focused on the pivotal role of ESG principles in shaping procurement strategies and fostering sustainable development across Africa. His insights emphasized the importance of leadership in driving procurement practices that balance economic, social, and environmental priorities.

The Significance of ESG in Procurement Governance

Dr. Chilapondwa underscored the need to integrate ESG principles into procurement frameworks, stressing that effective governance is essential for achieving both business and societal objectives. He elaborated on how procurement leaders can embed ESG considerations into specifications, selection criteria, and processes to protect the environment, promote equity among stakeholders, and create long-term value.

"Incorporating ESG principles into procurement isn't just a trend; it's a responsibility. Sustainable procurement ensures that we are not only meeting organizational goals but also contributing to the greater good-protecting the environment and society as a whole,” Dr. Chilapondwa remarked.

Shaping the Future of ESG and Business

Dr. Chilapondwa called on future procurement leaders to adopt innovative strategies that prioritize sustainability while advancing organizational success. He emphasized the importance of anticipating challenges, fostering collaborative relationships, and leveraging technology to achieve sustainable outcomes.

“Future leaders in procurement must view ESG not as an additional layer of complexity but as an opportunity to lead transformative change,” he stated. “By aligning procurement strategies with ESG goals, we can shape a business landscape that is resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking.”

Practical Insights for Sustainable Procurement

Drawing from his extensive experience, Dr. Chilapondwa provided actionable steps for implementing sustainable public procurement practices:

• 1. Develop clear specifications that align with sustainability goals.
• Use selection criteria that prioritize suppliers committed to ESG principles.
• 2. Implement monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with ESG standards.
• 3. Engage stakeholders to foster a shared vision for sustainability.

4. Tackling Challenges in Public Procurement

Dr. Chilapondwa acknowledged current challenges in public procurement, including poor data management and record-keeping, and the involvement of unqualified personnel. “Too often, professionals from other fields assume they can handle procurement without proper qualifications,” he noted.

To address these challenges, he highlighted the importance of the Malawi National electronic-Procurement System (MANePS), which digitalizes public procurement processes and procedures. According to Dr. Chilapondwa, this system represents a significant step toward enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in procurement governance.