ZAMMSA Allocates K5.8 Million Contract to Empower Women and Youths
In a strategic move to support local suppliers and manufacturers, the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has awarded a significant contract worth K5.8 million to women and youth-owned companies.
This initiative is aimed at empowering marginalized groups while promoting economic growth within Zambia.
Mr. Bradley Chingobe, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at ZAMMSA, highlighted the agency’s commitment to inclusive procurement practices, citing Section 91(1)(c) of the Public Procurement Act No.8 of 2020.
This section allows procuring entities to reserve certain procurement requirements for target groups, known as a Reservation Scheme.
The contract, divided into four categories—women, youth, and two open citizen lots—will see each group supplying 5000 pallets, totaling 20,000 pallets crucial for storing and transporting essential medicines and medical supplies across Zambia.
To facilitate the participation of women and youth, ZAMMSA has allocated funds to provide an advance payment of 25% of the total contract sum to successful tender awardees.
This financial support aims to ease the burden on suppliers and encourage their involvement in the procurement process.
Expressing satisfaction with the initiative, Mr. Chingobe emphasized the vast opportunities it presents for women and young people in Zambia to contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic development.
The Public Procurement Act recognizes citizen suppliers and enterprises owned by women and youths as target groups eligible for inclusion in reservation schemes.
Furthermore, ZAMMSA reaffirmed its commitment to sourcing commodities locally, ensuring that essential medicines and medical supplies are procured within Zambia whenever possible.
This dedication aligns with the agency’s overarching goal of becoming a world-class supply chain for essential healthcare products, fostering a productive and healthy nation.
The allocation of this contract reflects ZAMMSA’s proactive approach to promoting inclusivity and supporting local businesses, marking a significant step towards empowering marginalized groups and driving sustainable economic growth in Zambia.
