There is no doubt that public procurement can make a profound impact on a nation’s developmental trajectory. Generally speaking, public procurement can be divided into two types, first case - the purchase of standard and already existing products like commodities and second case - technology procurement like new or developing skills and technologies.

As the economy grows, the size of public expenditure becomes larger and procurement is one of the most important activities in governmental operation. Therefore, public procurement can influence many areas and change the way of doing things in the nation. That is the power of public procurement. The world national average on procurement expenditure is between 9 to 13% of GDP. It is estimated that the world public procurement marketplace is about $9.5 trillion per annum while developing countries contribute $820 billion per annum.

We need to correct any weaknesses in public procurement systems through: comprehensive legal frameworks, effective monitoring and auditing procedures and organisations to ensure compliance with the regulations, standard terms and conditions of contracts, improved transparency and public availability of rules governing the process, and an improved capacity for developing and retaining people with professional skills in procurement. Over and above this we need to make politicians accountable on how they manage public funds.

Capital is attracted into countries where there is little abuse of public funds and there is transparency and accountability. Procurement not only involves consumption expenditure but project funding both at national and local government. When procurement is used to meet political and not developmental agenda it becomes a dangerous tool which can lead to economic regression and high debt levels.

A public procurement system should be based on the following seven globally accepted principles: value for money, economy, integrity, fit for purpose, efficiency, transparency, and fairness. The World Bank Policy on "Procurement in IPF (Investment Project Financing) and Other Operational Procurement Matters” issued on June 28, 2016 (www.worldbank.org/procure), defines these principles as shown in the following manner;

Value for money;

This means effective, efficient, and economic use of resources, which requires an evaluation of relevant costs and benefits, along with an assessment of risks, and non-price attributes and/or life cycle costs, as appropriate. Price alone may not necessarily represent value for money.

Economy;

This takes into consideration factors such as sustainability, quality, and non-price attributes and/or life cycle cost as appropriate that support value for money. It permits integrating into the Procurement Process economic, environmental, and social considerations.

Integrity;

This refers to the use of funds, resources, assets, and authority according to the intended purposes and in a manner that is well informed, aligned with the public interest and aligned with broader principles of governance. All parties involved in the procurement process must observe the highest standard of ethics and refrain from fraud and corruption.

Fit for Purpose;

This applies both to the intended outcomes and the procurement arrangements in determining the most appropriate approach to meet the project development objectives and outcomes, taking into account the context and the risk, value, and complexity of the procurement.

Efficiency:

This requires that procurement processes be proportional to the value and risks of the underlying project activities. Procurement arrangements are generally time- sensitive and strive to avoid delays.

Transparency;

This requires (i) that relevant procurement information be made publicly available to all interested parties, consistently and in a timely manner, through readily accessible and widely available sources at reasonable or no cost; (ii) appropriate reporting of procurement activities; and (iii) the use of confidentiality provisions in contracts only where justified.

Fairness;

This refers to (i) equal opportunity and treatment for bidders and consultants; (ii) equitable distribution of rights and obligations between ...; and (iii) credible mechanisms for addressing procurement-related com- plaints and providing recourse ....”

If the above-mentioned principles of procurement are adhered to, contracts would be awarded impartially and on the basis of the merit of the bids. This would help achieve the objective of a programs or projects undertaken both and national and local government levels.

Public procurement clearly impacts significantly on any economy and needs to be taken seriously by all.

Vince Musewe is an economist and you may contact him on vtmusewe@gmail.com