PPDA moves to empower SMEs

The Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) has encouraged small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country to utilise the recently gazetted order aimed at empowering them and according them a chance to be competitive when bidding for government contracts.

PPDA Advisory Services Manager Mirriam Salika said in an interview SMEs needed to have all the necessary documentation as the authority moves to bridge the competition gap between them and big business

According to Salika, the order has set aside more than 50 types of contracts that SMEs would be allowed to compete for.

“This order prescribes some preferences and reservations targeting SMEs. stakeholders have noted an outcry from the SMEs that they were competing with big business when tendering contracts; so, noting this gap, we developed this order,” she said

She, however, said only SMEs duly registered by the Ministry of Trade will have a chance to secure such contracts

“The SMEs will have to meet all the requirements in a procurement setting. They have to be registered with the Registrar of Companies, be compliant in their tax payment and the Ministry of Trade will be registering them as SMEs,” she said

She added that the authority will be sensitising the public through meetings about the order to have a good response.

Commenting on the matter, Chairperson of the National Association of SMEs William Banda hailed the authority for the move.

He emphasised the need to empower the sector without discrimination as it also contributes to the economy of the country.