joint partnership between the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) and Catholic University of Malawi (Cunima) is set to enhance research, knowledge–sharing and capacity building in the country.
The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) pertaining to the pact on Thursday at Cunima Campus in Nguludi, Chiradzulu.
PPDA director general Edington Chilapondwa said during the ceremony that through the partnership, the two entities will pursue concrete initiatives such as research projects, joint publications and data–sharing, among others, that will yield mutual benefit.
He said the collaboration also entails co–designing and delivering of short–term courses tailored to the needs of stakeholders in public procurement and disposal of public assets.
“This will not only build capacity within the Cunima and PPDA, but also equip stakeholders across the public sector with the knowledge and skills they need to improve service delivery,” he said.
“An equally important component of the MoU is our shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers and professionals. PPDA will offer internship opportunities to Cunima students, ensuring that they gain hands–on experience in public procurement and disposal of public assets practice.”
Chilaponda further said they will jointly evaluate student research and sponsor annual research awards that will recognise outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate projects.
This, he said, both PPDA and Cunima will be contributing towards Malawi 2063.
Chilapondwa said: “Our collaboration also provides a framework for equitable resource mobilisation and capacity building. Cunima will bring its expertise in research design and publication, while PPDA will provide practical insights through seminars, public lectures, and technical mentorship.”
On his part, Cunima Vice-Chancellor Professor Francis Moto said the partnership is beneficial not only to both parties, but to the country. He said research cannot happen in isolation, stressing that it needs partnerships.
Moto said research the two institutions will be pursuing will address real societal needs, adding that it will be impactful and transformative.
He further said the partnership between the two institutions will also strengthen Cunima’s capacity as a growing university.
Moto said: “We will benefit a lot from the outcome of this Memorandum of Understanding because universities exist to carry out research and PPDA has today begun to facilitate that we engage in research that is informed and is based on facts.”
The ceremony was followed by a public lecture Chilapondwa delivered pertaining to the new Public Procurement and Disposal Act and Malawi’s National Electronic Procurement System.
