The Minister of Transport and Public Works, Hon. Jappie Mhango, MP, has pledged his commitment to champion and advocate for the use of the Malawi National Electronic Procurement System (MANePS).

Hon. Mhango made the remarks on Friday during a visit to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) exhibition pavilion at the 2026 National Construction Day commemorations held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. 

The event was organised by the Construction Industry Regulatory Authority (CIRA) under the theme “People, Quality and Innovation: Building a Legacy.”

He assured PPDA that he would actively speak positively about the system to encourage wider adoption across both the public and private sectors. 

In a brief exchange with the Regulatory and Review Manager Gerlad Mabveka, at the pavilion, Hon. Mhango affirmed his support, stating: “Tichiyankhulira,” a phrase meaning he will advocate for and promote compliance and continued uptake of the system.

During the engagement Mabveka, briefed the Minister on the progress made since the official rollout of MANePS on 1 April 2026. 

He noted that the system has recorded encouraging uptake, with approximately 6,000 suppliers already registered, reflecting growing confidence in e-procurement reforms. 

The Minister’s visit also provided an opportunity for PPDA leadership, including Acting Director General Timothy Kalembo and Board Member Johnny J. Somba, to tour the pavilion and appreciate the innovations being showcased. 

Director Somba, who was also recognized by CIRA as a lifetime achiever in the built environment for his four decades of outstanding service, commended PPDA staff for their continued commitment and professionalism in advancing public procurement reforms.

The National Construction Day brought together key stakeholders in the construction sector to reflect on progress and strengthen collaboration in infrastructure development, with MANePS standing out as a key driver of reform in public procurement systems.