THE Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) says it has developed e-learning modules for the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system in order to enhance the use of the system by suppliers and procuring entities.

In a statement, Wednesday, ZPPA Principal Officer – Public Relations Inutu Mushambatwa stated that the development of the e-learning modules had been necessitated by the need for suppliers and procuring entities to familiarize themselves with the concept of electronic public procurement.

“The Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) has developed e-learning modules for the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system in order to enhance the use of the system by suppliers and procuring entities (PEs). The development of the e-learning modules has been necessitated by the need for learners (suppliers and PEs) to familiarize themselves with the concept of electronic public procurement. The modules will enhance the learner’s understanding of the principles, aims and various procurement methods of public procurement. The e-learning modules which are accessible on the ZPPA website: www.zppa.org.zm, helps to address challenges encountered by suppliers when undertaking self-registration, and when submitting electronic bids on the e-GP system. For the PE’s, it highlights the procedure that they have to undertake when creating the annual procurement plan, tender creation, bid opening, evaluation and awarding of tenders on the system. The modules provide a step-by-step guide to the users of e-GP system,” stated Mushambatwa.

“ZPPA would therefore, like to urge bidders and PEs to take advantage of the e-learning modules that have been developed in order to enhance their knowledge and use of the system. Section 16(1) of the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020 (PPA), provides for the mandatory usage of the e-GP System by all PEs in their procurement activities. The transitional period of three (3) years contained in Section 113 (7) of the PPA only applies to PEs that are unable to use the e-GP system. The e-GP system, is an information and communication technology-based system, that allows PEs to engage bidders or suppliers in the acquisition of goods, works, consulting and non-consulting services required by the public sector.”