Public procurement watchdog under new leadership

The newly appointed Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) officially took office following their swearing-in ceremony at the High Court of Namibia in Windhoek earlier this week.

Under Section 11 of the Public Procurement Act of 2015, the Minister of Finance appointed the new board members to serve a three-year term, with Mary Shiimi as chairperson.



EXPECTATIONS

CPBN CEO Idi Itope, who took charge in June last year, outlined the critical role the board plays in Namibia’s procurement system.

“The board has a crucial mandate in public procurement. They must execute it with efficiency, integrity, and responsiveness, all while championing good governance,” he told Namibian Sun.

He stressed the board’s responsibility in adjudicating procurements, upholding strict compliance with government policies on employment creation, youth empowerment, and gender inclusion.

The newly appointed board steps into a well-structured framework designed to enhance efficiency, eliminate bottlenecks, and reinforce accountability.

As outlined in the Public Procurement Act, their key responsibilities include reviewing and approving bidding documents, inviting and evaluating tenders, and ensuring procurement processes adhere to both legal and ethical standards.

Additionally, they will oversee the work of bid evaluation committees and have the final say on contract awards, a responsibility that demands transparency and due diligence.



ENSURING TRANSPARENCY

Itope stated that procurement transparency is a key responsibility of the board, explaining, “The board ensures that terms and conditions, evaluation criteria, and bid advertisements align with the Act.

They are responsible for deciding on awards—whether to accept recommendations, reject them, or request a review.”



MIDDLE MAN

A significant factor in Namibia’s procurement sector has been the role of intermediaries, who are often perceived as driving up costs.

Addressing this concern, Itope noted that the CPBN will evaluate procurement methods to maximize efficiency while maintaining employment opportunities for Namibians.

“This Act was designed to empower Namibians. Even if we cut out the middleman, we ensure job creation, entrepreneurship, and local manufacturing remain priorities,” he said.



SHIIMI EMPHASIZES CONTINUITY

Meanwhile, CPBN board chairperson Shiimi expressed her commitment to strengthening the institution’s role in ensuring fairness, integrity, and transparency in public procurement.

“I feel honoured to have been chosen for this role, but I do not see it as a prestige. I see it as a position to serve the nation,” she stated.

Recognising the groundwork laid by her predecessors, she underscored the importance of continuity, stating, “The previous board has set a solid foundation. Our task now is to build on that progress, strengthen what’s in place, and reinforce trust in the institution.”

Joining Shiimi on the board are Julinda Garus-Oas, who was reappointed, along with new members Simon Shivute, Brian Katjaerua, Paulus Tshiningayamwe, Abraham Collard, and Immanuel Kadhila.