The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has commenced the year 2026 with strong momentum as it continues to champion the digital transformation of public procurement through the Malawi National Electronic Procurement System (MANePS). 

This week, the Authority is training its 5th cohort of Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with participants drawn from Procurement, Accounting, ICT units, and Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee (IPDC) Chairpersons. 

The training focuses on practical navigation of the MANePS platform, including the uploading of Annual Procurement Plans one of the most critical compliance requirements in the procurement cycle.

Speaking during the opening session in Salima, PPDA Director General Edington Chilapondwa called on MDAs to internalize the digital system to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public finance management.

He emphasized that Government’s 2017 decision to transition to e-Government procurement marked a deliberate move away from paper-based processes, signaling a commitment to modern, transparent, and competitive public procurement.

PPDA’s E-Procurement Manager, Yvonne Kasamba, disclosed that the Authority aims to onboard 250 Procuring and Disposing Entities (PDEs) onto MANePS by the end of January 2026, ahead of the second phase roll-out on e-Tendering. 

Current progress shows promising traction, with 131 PDEs already migrated to the platform and 63 of them successfully uploading their annual procurement plans.

On the supplier side, MANePS has registered 2,378 suppliers including 60 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and two international businesses; broadening participation in the procurement market and enhancing competition.

Through these ongoing efforts, MANePS is proving to be more than a digital tool it is a reform instrument that is redefining procurement processes, enhancing data-driven decision-making, and contributing to the fight against corruption.

As onboarding progresses and Phase II approaches, PPDA remains committed to building capacity within the public sector and fostering trust within the wider procurement ecosystem.