Vice President and Minister of Finance, Ndaba Gaolathe has underscored government’s commitment to improving transparency and fairness in public procurement.
Delivering government’s maiden budget speech this week, Gaolathe acknowledged that the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has faced challenges in fully executing its essential role but emphasized the government’s determination to revitalize it.
Gaolathe highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the procurement system, including the introduction of the Public Procurement Data Portal. This portal according to Gaolathe will serve as a centralized, real-time data-sharing platform, making procurement information more accessible to stakeholders. By fostering transparency and ease of access, the government aims to create a more inclusive and efficient procurement process.
He highlighted that as part of broader reforms, the government has initiated comprehensive audits of key projects, particularly those under the Development Manager model, the Central Medical Store (CMS), and other major infrastructure initiatives within State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
“These audits are to be conducted in two phases, we will first assess value, procurement procedures, and legal compliance, followed by specialised financial forensic audits to identify potential irregularities,” Gaolathe said.
He emphasised that the audits will not only strengthen governance within PPRA but will also become an integral practice within other oversight institutions, such as the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), the Office of the Auditor General, and the Botswana Accountancy Oversight Authority.
Gaolathe further emphasised that this multi-agency approach aims to create a robust governance framework that safeguards public resources and prevents financial leakages.
Beyond procurement, Gaolathe noted that the government is focused on addressing inefficiencies and barriers that hinder fair economic participation pointing out that certain industries such as poultry, automobile, retail, franchising, and distribution are dominated by a few players, limiting competition and innovation.
Additionally, he noted that cumbersome regulatory processes create delays for businesses, making it difficult for new enterprises to establish themselves and for existing ones to expand. He gave an instance of the requirement for multiple licenses from different offices which significantly slows down business operations.
Gaolathe reaffirmed the government’s determination to build an economy where every citizen has fair access to opportunities. Addressing systemic inefficiencies, promoting fair competition, and ensuring transparent procurement processes are crucial steps towards achieving this vision. The government’s reforms, particularly through PPRA and broader regulatory improvements, are set to enhance governance, reduce corruption, and foster a more dynamic economic environment.
