International experts highlight challenges of procurement processes in Africa

Arusha. Corruption, poor accountability, and political interference have been mentioned as the main challenges of procurement processes.

This is according to international experts, policymakers, practitioners, and scholars, who have advised African countries to address the issue.

They issued the statement at the ongoing International Transparency and Accountability Conference (ITAC) 2024 taking place at the Gran Melia in Arusha Region.

The experts are meeting together to explore challenges, best practices, and strategies to improve procurement processes in African countries.

The Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden, Ms Charlotta Ozaki Macias, pointed out that Tanzania was making significant strides.

She referred to the study on ‘Public Procurement Trajectories, 2023 report,’ which indicates that the implementation of public procurement laws and regulations in the country has improved and there has been transparency, answerability, and fairness in the undertakings.

For his part, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Mr Kjetil Schie, said transparency is so important because ordinary citizens have the right to be informed on all issues of public procurement procedures as they directly affect their lives.

The Country Director World Bank, Mr Nathan Belete, speaking at the conference, said that if the procurement process is managed in a way that ensures transparency and integrity on how the evaluation process is handled, the chances are that activity will be run more efficiently.

The Chairperson of the WAJIBU Institute of Public Accountability, a think tank organization, Mr Ludovick Utouh, said it is crucial to know that procurement takes about 70 percent of our national budgets each year.

Due to that, he said it was important to discuss procurement critically and objectively as it held the dreams and ambitions of future generations.

Mr Michael Moshiro from the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), said the ongoing conference is seeking to address the critical issues of enhancing procurement systems in Africa.

With procurement accounting for a significant portion of national budgets across the continent, he said the need for effective procurement systems has never been more pressing.

In 2024, ITAC will focus on "Fostering Effective Procurement Systems for Sustainable Development in Africa," emphasising and enhancing transparency and accountability throughout the procurement lifecycle.