ZIPS Begins Nationwide Compliance Inspections
The Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) has officially launched the 2026 National Compliance Inspections, signalling a renewed drive to strengthen professionalism, transparency and accountability in the procurement and supply chain management profession.
The launch was announced by ZIPS President, Mr Daniel Kabamba, during a media briefing in Lusaka, attended by members of the ZIPS Council, representatives of Government and statutory bodies, cooperating partners, and key stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
Mr Kabamba said the inspections would be conducted countrywide to ensure that all individuals practising procurement and supply chain management are properly qualified, registered with the Institute, and compliant with statutory membership and licensing requirements.
He explained that ZIPS, a statutory body established under the ZIPS Act No. 15 of 2003, has a legal mandate to regulate and control the practice of purchasing and supply, enforce professional and ethical standards, prescribe qualifications, and protect the public interest by ensuring that only competent and duly registered professionals practise.
The ZIPS President noted that the deadline for payment of annual membership subscription fees was 14 January 2026, as provided by law. He said members who failed to meet this obligation were no longer in good standing and were liable to sanctions under the Act.
He added that the 20 days following the deadline had effectively served as a grace period, and no further extensions would be granted.
As a result, ZIPS inspectors have now been mandated to commence inspections across both the public and private sectors. The exercise will be carried out by a structured inspection mechanism comprising the National Compliance Committee, the ZIPS Secretariat Inspectorate Unit, and all ten provincial chapters.
Mr Kabamba emphasised that the inspections would be conducted with speed, professionalism and impartiality to support the timely execution of national procurement activities planned for 2026.
He stressed that efficient and transparent procurement is critical to the successful delivery of government programmes, value for money, and the maintenance of donor and cooperating partner confidence.
He further noted that following Zambia’s debt restructuring, procurement must play a central role in promoting debt sustainability by ensuring that public resources are used efficiently and responsibly.
The ZIPS President also highlighted the Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply Act No. 29 of 2025, which is expected to come into effect later this year.
He said the new law significantly strengthens the regulatory framework, making it unlawful for any person to practise or be employed as a procurement and supply professional without registration and a valid practising licence. Employers who engage unlicensed practitioners will also be liable under the law.
Additionally, associate membership has been phased out under the new Act, and members without recognised procurement qualifications have been urged to regularise their status.
Mr Kabamba advised public officers, including teachers currently performing procurement functions without formal training, to enrol in recognised procurement and supply programmes by 31 December 2026, after which enforcement measures will apply.
In concluding his remarks, Mr Kabamba said the compliance inspections were not intended to punish practitioners, but to professionalise the sector, protect the public interest, promote accountability and raise standards in procurement and supply chain management.
