The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Catholic University of Malawi (Cunima).

The signing took place at Cunima on October 2, 2025, establishing a framework for research collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and capacity building in matters of Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets.

PPDA Director General Dr. Edington Chilapondwa described the partnership as a significant step towards fulfilling the Authority’s mandate under the PPDA Act No. 7 of 2025, which tasks PPDA with conducting research and economic studies to inform government policies and strategies.

“The joining forces with an institution of academic excellence such as Cunima will ensure robust, impactful outcomes for Malawi. Because through this strategic partnership among other things we will nurture future professionals,” Dr. Chilapondwa explained.

He said that under the agreement, PPDA and Cunima will undertake joint research projects, publish findings, and design tailor-made training programs to strengthen skills across the Public Sector. 

According to Dr. Chilapondwa, the MoU also provides data-sharing and the co-delivery of short-term courses, enhancing evidence-based decision-making and improving service delivery.

These initiatives directly contribute to the Malawi 2063 Development Agenda, which prioritizes research, science, technology, and innovation as drivers of industrialization.

On his part Vice Chancellor for Cunima Professor Franscis Moto said research is the engine room for knowledge generation and thus hailed the Authority for recognizing their efforts and choosing to partner the institution.

The ceremony was followed by a public lecture delivered by the Dr. Chilapondwa   who outlined the benefits of the Malawi National Electronic Procurement System (MANePS), a revolutionary Digital Platform developed by PPDA to transform Public Procurement in Malawi.