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Public Procurement in Zambia
Public procurement in Zambia is a central pillar of public financial management and a key mechanism for implementing national development programmes, infrastructure investment, and service delivery across government institutions. Through public procurement, the Zambian government channels a significant portion of public expenditure into goods, works, and services that support economic growth and social outcomes.
The procurement system in Zambia is governed by a modern legal and regulatory framework aligned with international best practices and supported by an electronic government procurement platform. Government tenders in Zambia are issued by ministries, local authorities, and public institutions, offering structured opportunities for domestic suppliers and international contractors.
For businesses and procurement professionals, Public Procurement in Zambia represents a regulated, increasingly transparent, and digitized market with strong oversight, defined procedures, and growing emphasis on value for money and inclusive participation.
Country & Economic Overview
| Country | Zambia |
| Region | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Population (2024) | 21.3 million |
| Income Level | Lower middle-income economy |
| Base Currency | Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) |
| Conversion Rate (ZMW to USD) | 16.93759433 |
| Gross Domestic Product (USD, 2024) | USD 28.5 billion |
| Gross National Income (USD, 2024) | USD 24.6 billion |
| GNI per Capita (USD, 2024) | 1,260 |
Zambia is a member of key international and regional organizations, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), IMF, WTO, IFAD, UNCTAD, UNCITRAL, and UNECA. These memberships influence procurement reforms, donor-funded projects, and harmonization with international procurement norms.
Public Procurement Governance Framework
The regulatory oversight of public procurement in Zambia is vested in the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA). ZPPA is responsible for regulation, supervision, capacity building, compliance monitoring, and publication of procurement data.
| Public Procurement Agency (PPA) | Zambia Public Procurement Authority |
| PPA Website | https://www.zppa.org.zm |
| PPA as Central Purchasing Body | No |
| Certified Contracting Officers | 19 |
| Certification Program | Mentorship programme through focal person training |
Zambia does not operate a national central purchasing body. Procurement activities are carried out by individual procuring entities under the regulatory supervision of ZPPA.
Legal & Regulatory Framework
Public procurement in Zambia is governed by the Public Procurement Act and detailed subsidiary legislation, including the Public Procurement Regulations, 2022. The legal framework establishes comprehensive rules for procurement planning, tendering, evaluation, contract award, and contract management.
Key legal principles and clauses include:
- Total Cost of Ownership: Regulation 31(2)
- Life Cycle Costing: Regulation 32(2)
- Value for Money: Regulations 3, 5, 8, and 145
- Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT): Regulations 140, 142, and 145
- Sustainability considerations: Section 112(2)(q) and multiple regulatory provisions
- SME participation: Sections 26 and 27; Regulations 159 and 160
- Bid securities: Regulation 55
- Public bid openings: Section 49 and Regulation 63
- Domestic preference: Standard bidding document clauses for goods and works
Procurement Procedures & Thresholds
Zambia applies structured procurement methods supported by defined thresholds and standardized procedures.
Key procedural features include:
- Mandatory advertisement of procurement opportunities
- Public bid opening sessions
- Defined bid validity periods
- Standstill periods prior to contract signing
Procurement thresholds include:
- Goods and non-consulting services: USD 40,000
- Works: USD 40,000
- Services: USD 23,000
Standstill periods are regulated under Section 70(3), while complaint resolution procedures are governed by Regulation 174.
E-Procurement System in Zambia
Zambia operates the Zambia Electronic Government Procurement System (e-GP), which supports electronic procurement processes across public entities.
| eProcurement System Name | Zambia Electronic Government Procurement System (e-GP) |
| System Website | https://eprocure.zppa.org.zm/ |
| Launch Year | 2016 |
| Supported Functionalities | eProcurement Planning, ePublishing, eTendering, eEvaluation, eAwarding, eContract Management, ePurchasing, Vendor Management, eComplaints, eReverse Auctions |
| Supported Languages | English |
| Supported Currencies | Zambian Kwacha, US Dollar, Euro, Rand, Yen |
| Business Model | Government-managed service (COTS-based system) |
The e-GP system is supported by the World Bank and publishes procurement data in accordance with the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS).
Procurement Market Characteristics
The public procurement market in Zambia spans goods, works, and services across central and local government entities. Procurement activity supports infrastructure development, public service delivery, and private sector participation.
While many procuring entities continue to use manual systems, the e-GP platform is increasingly used for competitive procurement and transparency-focused processes.
Transparency, Complaints & Oversight
Transparency in public procurement is reinforced through mandatory publication of tender notices, bid openings, and contract award information. ZPPA publishes procurement statistics and OCDS-compliant datasets through its official platforms.
Formal complaint and review mechanisms are established under Regulation 174, providing bidders with structured administrative remedies.
Sustainability & Green Public Procurement
The Zambian procurement legal framework incorporates sustainability-related provisions across multiple sections and regulations. These provisions allow procuring entities to integrate environmental and social considerations into procurement processes.
However, no centralized green public procurement strategy, spend targets, or monitoring tools are formally defined at the national level.
Social & Ethical Procurement Considerations
Zambia’s procurement framework explicitly promotes inclusive procurement. Section 13 of the Public Procurement Act provides for preferential treatment for women-owned businesses, while additional provisions support participation by disadvantaged groups.
These measures aim to expand economic inclusion while maintaining competition and value for money.
Key Challenges & Practical Insights for Bidders
Bidders participating in government tenders in Zambia should consider the following practical insights:
- Familiarity with both manual and electronic procurement procedures
- Strict compliance with standard bidding documents and bid validity rules
- Awareness of domestic preference and SME-focused provisions
- Regular monitoring of ZPPA publications and e-GP announcements
In conclusion, Public Procurement in Zambia is characterized by a strong legal foundation, growing digital adoption, and robust regulatory oversight. The system offers credible and transparent opportunities for suppliers and contractors prepared to operate within Zambia’s formal procurement framework.
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