Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, says procurement and stores management remain central to effective public service delivery.
Mr Kangwa, in a speech read on his behalf by Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary, Professor Lackson Kasonka, during a Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) Workshop in Siavonga, said efficient procurement systems determine whether medicines reach clinics, desks reach classrooms, and whether infrastructure is completed on time and at the right cost.
He stressed the need for Zambia to build people-centered procurement systems that translate public resources into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
“Every kwacha must deliver improved service and better livelihoods,” he said.
Mr Kangwa noted that stalled projects, waste and inefficiencies can be reduced significantly when procurement and stores management are handled professionally and transparently.
He added that President Hakainde Hichilema has been clear on his desire to eliminate inefficiencies, waste and corruption within procurement processes, urging professionals to uphold ethical standards and act as responsible custodians of public resources.
“We must take this directive seriously. The public relies on procurement officers to ensure that systems are transparent, efficient and people-centered,” he said.
The Secretary to the Cabinet also commended ZIPS for its continued engagement with government, including proposals aimed at strengthening procurement and stores management to promote efficiency and transparency.
Earlier, ZIPS President, Daniel Kabamba, said persistent challenges such as delayed procurement, weak contract management and poor stock accountability continue to hinder effective service delivery.
He said transforming procurement from a procedural exercise into a strategic driver of efficiency, cost-saving and quality outcomes, is key to closing current performance gaps.
