By Undule Mwakasungula

I join other concerned voices in expressing deep concern over reports alleging political interference in a procurement process at ESCOM. These allegations raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, good governance, and adherence to Malawi’s public procurement laws.

This scandal has the potential of undermining public confidence in state institutions and the integrity of procurement systems that are meant to operate independently, fairly, and in accordance with the law.

Public procurement is governed by clear laws and procedures designed to ensure fairness, transparency, competition, and value for public resources. These procedures exist to protect public institutions from undue influence and to ensure that contracts are awarded based on merit and compliance with established requirements.

According to reports, ESCOM had already completed a procurement process and identified successful bidders. However, it is alleged that the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) intervened after concerns were raised regarding some of the companies involved. Such reports have naturally created public interest and concern because procurement decisions should be made by the responsible procuring entity and not through political direction.

The 2025 Public Procurement Act clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of procuring entities and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA). Procuring entities are responsible for conducting procurement processes and making award decisions, while PPDA provides oversight and issues “no objection” approvals where required by law.

The law does not clearly provide for presidential clearance or approval of procurement awards. Any involvement by political authorities in procurement decisions risks undermining the independence of institutions and the integrity of the procurement system.

If the President was requested to provide clearance on a procurement matter, this raises serious questions about how the issue was handled administratively. The Office of the President should not be placed in a position where it becomes directly associated with operational procurement decisions.

Such actions expose the President to unnecessary public criticism and create perceptions of political influence where procurement decisions should be guided strictly by law and procedure.
Attention must also be directed towards the role of the Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet.

It is important to establish why a procurement matter within the mandate of ESCOM and the PPDA was allegedly escalated for presidential consideration, as this appears inconsistent with principles of institutional independence and proper administrative procedure. If true, it raises concerns that the President may have been improperly advised by the Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet to intervene in a matter that should have remained within the jurisdiction of the relevant institutions.

CALL

• The Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet should refrain from involvement in procurement matters and allow responsible institutions to carry out their mandates independently, in accordance with the law and established procedures.

• For the sake of preserving the integrity of the public procurement system and safeguarding the credibility of the Presidency, it would be advisable that any alleged presidential directive relating to this procurement process be withdrawn.

• The Anti-Corruption Bureau should also conduct a thorough and independent investigation into any alleged anomalies in this procurement process, where such concerns exist.

These actions would help reaffirm Government’s commitment to the rule of law, institutional independence, transparency, and fair competition.

Statement Author
Undule Mwakasungula
Governance, Public Policy, and Human Rights Advocate.
WhatsApp: +265 991 143 568
Email: UDKConsultancy@gmail.com
13th /06/2026
Lilongwe – Malawi

About the Author
Undule Mwakasungula is a governance, public policy, and human rights advocate. Undule is actively promoting democracy, human rights, social justice, and citizen engagement in Malawi and the Southern African region.