Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has called for faster and more accountable procurement decision-making across government institutions and the private sector.
Mr Kangwa said prolonged delays are slowing down national development, noting that the country cannot afford bureaucratic bottlenecks that stall infrastructure projects, delay service delivery and increase costs for both the government and communities.
In a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary for Special Duties at Cabinet office, Wisdom Bwalya, Mr Kangwa noted that compliance and transparency remain essential, but emphasised that they should not result in what he described as paralysis through indecision.
Mr Kangwa said during the Second Annual Procurement Committee Training Workshop delayed procurement processes because contractors increased prices, weakened institutional credibility and postponed development outcomes.
He stressed that procurement committees and boards must reposition themselves as strategic decision-makers rather than mere administrative checkpoints.
Mr Kangwa added that procurement is ultimately a leadership function that requires clarity, accountability and timely action.
Mr Kangwa challenged controlling officers, chief executives and procurement heads to identify and eliminate approval layers that do not add value but instead prolong processes.
Speaking at the same event, Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply, President Daniel Kabamba said the country is making significant progress in strengthening procurement oversight and promoting professional excellence across public and private institutions.
Mr Kabamba, who was represented by ZIPS Vice President Polite Hamaleka, emphasised that strengthening procurement governance and improving decision-making speed across institutions is essential for accelerating national development.
