The Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Entreprises (MSMEs) in the country in their quest to find business opportunities with Government entities. 

Director of Information, Communication and Technology in the Authority, Paul Katema said this during a recent handholding session that the Authority organized to help MSMEs to register on the Malawi National Electronic Procurement System (MANePS).

He said the authority has deliberate policies in place to promote MSMEs but said being a part of the digitalization initiatives championed through MANePS gives the MSMEs more edge to benefit.

“For us MSME’s are very important in the system not just important for regulating purposes but there are benefits reserved for them to promote their businesses. So having them outside the system it means they are losing out on businesses and the privileges set aside for them,” Katema explained.

On setting up the system [MANePS], Katema said there were no specific challenges concerning the MSMEs that were anticipated, as such assured that the help desk that the authority established is working tirelessly to resolve all issues brought to its attention.

One of the suppliers to the session, Suzane Numeri hailed the PPDA for the handholding session saying it was eye opening not only to her but others on how they can secure business with the Government Departments and Agencies in the wake of the digital innovations.

The MSME Order prescribes preferences and reservations for MSMEs, and marginalized groups involved in public procurement.