In a significant move towards empowering aspiring procurement specialists, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) on 2 August 2023 donated a collection of supply chain and procurement books and branded materials worth MK7 million Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS). This is aimed at supporting the training and development of future procurement professionals, fostering excellence in the field, and contributing to the growth and sustainability of the nation's procurement practices. 

Speaking at the event, Executive Dean for the School of Business and Economic Sciences at MUBAS Associate Professor Betchani Tchereni, said the books have come at the right time. “I am at loss for words and overjoyed by this donation” said Tchereni. The Executive Dean further requested for long term collaboration with PPDA. “MUBAS would like to have a Memorandum of Understanding with PPDA, where the two institutions can learn from each other” he said. 

Giving her remarks, MUBAS Vice Chancellor Professor Nancy Chitera said the donation is a timely intervention as the institution is considering offering Master and PhD programs in procurement. “MUBAS introduced its first procurement program 15 years ago. With increased number of students vying for this program comes the demand for books. That is why I am echoing Professor Tchereni’s sentiments that this donation is timely” she said. She further explained that for the senate to approve the Master and PhD programs reference materials (books) are a significant part of the vetting process, therefore the donation from PPDA comes in as much needed push. 

 
In his remarks PPDA’s Director General Edington Chilapondwa, said training future procurement specialist is at the heart of PPDA’s agenda because if students are well equipped, issues of transparency, accountability and ethics will not be an issue. “Most corruption cases in the country boarder around procurement issues, we need well trained specialist to serve the nation wholeheartedly” he said. 

Presenting the donation on behalf of the PPDA Board, Madame Mirriam Nsomba who is the Chairperson of the Appointments Recruitment and Disciplinary (ARD) Committee said the country’s vision of becoming ‘an inclusively wealthy and self -reliant nation cannot be done without investing in the youth, specifically those studying supply chain and procurement which contributes immensely to the development of our country. “Let us remember that these students are not merely beneficiaries of our goodwill; they are the architects of our future. The knowledge they gain from these books will not only enrich their lives but also contribute to our nation's growth and development. As future procurement specialists, they will be instrumental in shaping the procurement landscape, ensuring transparency, and fostering a culture of accountability” she said.