Procurement Reforms in Africa: The Strides, Challenges, and Improvement Opportunities

Abstract

Procurement reforms are seen as essential for achieving a long term improvement in financial management within Africa. To gain insight into this situation an analysis of success stories and cases where challenges and difficulties have arisen were investigated. This material was content analysed using Mayring (2008) four-step process model. The findings demonstrate some initial improvement within African public sector financial management; however the complete and successful implementation of these reforms is fraught with problems. These issues that limit improved financial management through procurement reform included; inadequate education and training, legislative constraints, especially those associated with procurement technology, and a lack of political support for the reform process. In political terms the study identified that the current political position coupled with socio-cultural sensitivities of participating countries, has created a neglect of ethical and environmental considerations which in turn has slowed the pace and acceptance of reforms.

Identifying the latent shortcomings in achieving value for money within the Ghanaian construction industry

“…A broader review of literature also reveals numerous potential factors that account for the non-achievement of VfM in public projects. For instance, Dza et al (2013) reported the lack of consideration of VfM in public contracts, Barr and Christie (2015) indicated the lack of methodological guidance for achieving VfM, Jackson, (2012) identified the lack of data for VfM assessment and Wu et al (2008) reported the issue of governments initiating projects without sufficient funding arrangements. Also, poor procurement strategies (World Bank, 2016), contracts subjected to delays (Crown Agents, 1998), mismanagement of funds by responsible agencies (Audit Service of Ghana, 2017, 2016), the manipulation of VfM assessment results to post justify already decided projects (Europe PPP Expertise Centre, 2015), lack of incentives in government contracts (Hughes et al , 2007), the effect of poor stakeholder engagement (Ankukumah, 2017) and the impact of some macroeconomic variables (inflation, interest rate and exchange rate) on construction projects (Oladipo and Oni, 2012) are some factors that account for the non-achievement of VfM in construction projects.…”

Using Evidence in Policy and Practice

“…The public finance (Tender Board) regulations of 1977 were passed under the 1964 Public Finance Act, which replaced the colonial system where public procurement for most government entities was conducted through a central tender board (Dza et al, 2013;Khi V. Thai, 2009;Sabiiti and Muhumuza, 2012). However, the promulgation of a new constitution in 1995 expanded the size of government:…”

An exploratory factor analysis of government construction procurement problems

“…Based on Tanayut C., Narong L., Preenithi A. & Patrick M. (2017) [14]., it was found that some government officials were purposely dishonest in seeking benefits from the procurement process, which included violating, distorting, or avoiding regulations and/or laws [15].…”