Advisory Partner at Deloitte, Yaw Apiah-Lartey has bemoaned the lack of closure to Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) projects across Africa, stalling progress especially in the sub Saharan region.
This situation posed some form of discomfort for successive governments as a result of its preferred priorities.
Speaking at Enterprise Bureau’s 2023 roundtable themed “Future of Work: The Megatrends of Job Creation.” He explored the emerging megatrends shaping tomorrow’s workforce while emphasizing the untapped potential in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to align private and government entities in serving public interests alongside commercial benefits.
“It is a well-established fact that many public-private partnership (PPP) projects across Africa have not been able to close successfully. This has led to many of these projects becoming Perpetual Pending Projects, as they continue to remain in the shelves of the ministries in charge. There are several reasons for this trend, including inadequate planning and preparation, lack of political will, and difficulties with project implementation. Despite efforts from various stakeholders, such as the private sector and international development partners, it remains a challenge to ensure successful closure of PPP projects across Africa.”
Lartey highlighted the significance of focusing PPPs on essential infrastructure rather than luxury pursuits, stressing the need for a balanced approach to PPP goals. He critiqued the prevalence of outdated procurement laws hindering PPP execution and urged applicants to demonstrate global PPP experience to avoid rushed bids and subsequent project failures.
His insights underscored the necessity for better understanding, stakeholder commitment, and rigorous proposal adherence. Lartey advocated a balanced PPP approach, aligning efforts with the paramount goal of serving the public good. This call to action prompts a re-evaluation of PPP approaches, urging a more conscientious and strategic execution to effectively address critical societal needs.
As the world rapidly changes due to technological advancements, globalization, and social and economic shifts, the future of work is undoubtedly one of the most critical topics for discussion.
Enterprise Bureau curated the roundtable event to explore the impact of Technology, Entrepreneurship, Education, Infrastructure and Globalization on job creation in Africa. EB’s goal is to provide a detailed analysis of the African job market and offer insights into investing in the future of work.
Enterprise Bureau remains committed to providing insights to the stakeholders of the startup Secosystem in Africa to enable them make informed business decisions.
