Procurement Professionals Credited With Growth, But Skills Gaps Threaten Progress

By Daily News Reporter 

The Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply (ZIPS) says procurement and supply professionals are playing a vital role in driving national development, but warns that significant gaps remain in the sector.

ZIPS President Daniel Kabamba credited procurement practitioners for improving transparency and efficiency in project execution, particularly in the use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). 

He noted that local authorities have recorded progress in CDF utilisation, while infrastructure projects and service delivery have benefited from stronger procurement systems and adherence to procedures.

Kabamba also pointed to the mining sector, where procurement professionals have supported production growth through innovation and resilience, helping Zambia move closer to its copper output targets. He added that audit findings show improvements in stores management, reflecting the impact of training and capacity-building programmes.