Education Ministry Trains 126 Procurement Officers

The Ministry of Education has trained 126 procurement officers who will lead efforts to streamline procurement processes from Lusaka out to all districts across the country.

Head of Procurement Aphet Pongolani said the initiative is intended to ensure that procurement within the education sector functions as one unified system rather than a collection of disconnected processes. He noted that the officers, recently employed by the Ministry, are expected to improve both efficiency and accountability in procurement across all 116 districts nationwide.

A coordinated approach would reduce duplication, strengthen oversight and secure better value for the sector. The newly trained officers are expected to bridge the gap between national procurement policy and its delivery on the ground, bringing greater consistency to how education resources are handled at district level.

Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) President Daniel Kabamba welcomed the move, saying it reflected Government's commitment to improving effectiveness and fostering a stronger sense of ownership within the Ministry's procurement processes. He suggested that well-trained officers were essential to sustaining confidence in the way public funds are managed.

ZIPS Procurement Consultant and Founder Misheck Kaoma shared similar views, underlining the value of recruiting qualified procurement specialists to further strengthen the system. He observed that investment in skilled professionals would help protect transparency and keep procurement decisions aligned with the broader objectives of the education sector.