The Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply Bill No. 11 of 2025
- Name of the Bill as appearing on the Order Paper:
The Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply Bill No. 11 of 2025
- The Stage of the Bill:
Second Reading
- Summary of What the Bill Proposes to Do
The Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply Bill, 2025, proposes to repeal and replace the existing Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply Act of 2003. It seeks to continue the existence of the Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply but rename it as the Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply. This Bill is not yet law.
The principal objectives of the Bill include redefining the functions of the Institute, promoting the procurement and supply profession, and enhancing its regulation. It also seeks to provide a legal framework for the registration of procurement and supply professionals and firms, and to regulate their practice and professional conduct.
Under the proposed Bill, the Institute will function as a body corporate with perpetual succession and powers to sue and be sued. Its functions will include the registration and regulation of professionals and firms, issuing practising licences, enforcing professional standards, accrediting learning programmes, and advising both government and private sector stakeholders on procurement and supply matters.
The Bill provides for a Council to manage and control the affairs of the Institute. The Council will include elected members such as the President, Vice-President, and five other members, alongside the Registrar as an ex-officio member. The Council will oversee the Institute’s policies, strategic plans, budgets, and disciplinary processes.
A key feature of the Bill is the establishment of a comprehensive registration regime. Procurement and supply professionals must be registered with the Institute and must possess a valid practising licence in order to practice legally. The Bill defines different classes of membership and prescribes eligibility criteria, including qualifications validated by the Zambia Qualifications Authority and residency requirements. Persons found guilty of professional misconduct or serious criminal offences are disqualified from registration.
The Bill also provides for the registration of procurement and supply firms. Any entity that provides training or consultancy in procurement and supply must register with the Institute, in addition to fulfilling requirements under other business laws.
Disciplinary matters are addressed through a multi-tiered framework involving Professional Conduct Committees and a Disciplinary Committee. These bodies have the authority to investigate complaints, conduct hearings, and impose sanctions such as suspension or cancellation of licences, censure, retraining, and administrative penalties. Legal practitioners play a formal role in these proceedings to ensure procedural fairness.
The Bill includes provisions for the appointment of inspectors to ensure compliance. Inspectors are empowered to enter premises, conduct searches, demand records, and enforce compliance through inspection reports. Obstruction of inspectors constitutes a punishable offence.
Further, the Bill introduces a requirement that only certified procurement practitioners may head Procurement Units. It mandates enforcement notices for non-compliance and prescribes professional fees for services rendered by registered professionals, subject to ministerial approval.
Offences under the Bill attract penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines. These offences include unauthorised practice, falsification of documents, impersonation, and failure to comply with regulatory requirements. The Bill also includes administrative penalties for non-criminal breaches.
Appeals against decisions of the Institute, the Minister, or disciplinary bodies are permitted, with final recourse to the High Court. The Bill provides for jurisdiction over acts committed outside the Republic and prohibits the unauthorised disclosure of confidential information.
Lastly, the Bill grants immunity to persons acting in good faith under its provisions and empowers the Institute to issue guidelines and the Minister to make regulations. It includes savings and transitional provisions to ensure continuity following the repeal of the 2003 Act.
- When the Bill has been Gazetted as an Act of Parliament:
[To be updated when the Act is gazetted]
- Contacts for submission of Comments: Email the National Assembly or Visit the National Assembly Submission Portal