Nkurenkuru: The Ministry of Finance's Procurement Policy Unit on Thursday conducted a consultation session in Nkurenkuru to gather public feedback on proposed amendments to the Public Procurement Act of 2015. The initiative aims to address widespread delays and inefficiencies affecting government procurement processes.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the comprehensive review, mandated by the National Development Plan (NDP6), seeks to remove impediments in the current procurement law to ensure timely project implementation. Amalia Shikongo, Acting Director for Legal Support and Compliance, highlighted frustrations with existing delays, noting that contracts can take 'a whole year without awarding' from January to December.
The Minister of Finance established a review committee, divided into six groups, to collect regional inputs nationwide. A draft of the proposed amendments is available online for public consultation, with written submissions accepted alongside regional meetings. Key review areas include streamlining approval processes, improving dispute resolution mechanisms, and promoting the use of information and communication technology in procurement. The ministry is prioritising the implementation of E-Government Procurement (EGP) to reduce human error and increase transparency.
'We want to use public procurement for empowerment and socio-economic development,' Shikongo explained, emphasising the government's role as the market's biggest buyer and its potential to empower local industries. The consultation also addresses practical implementation challenges, including emergency programming that often leads to higher costs and reduced bidder commitment. The review further examines whether certain rights acquisitions, such as mining and fishing licences, should fall under the Procurement Act or remain governed by sector-specific legislation.
However, local business leaders raised significant concerns during consultations. Patrick Kalaluka, Chairperson of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), argued against proposed business activity limitations, stating, 'There is no company that will grow with five business activities.' He cited successful international examples of entrepreneurs operating more than 190 companies.
Critical issues raised include a lack of protection for innovative proposals, potential legal complications around company debarment, concerns over unfair competition with public entities, and restrictions on business diversification. Participants expressed scepticism about the government's approach, suggesting the bill might prioritise data collection over meaningful economic reform.
The committee faces an ambitious October deadline for the bill's passage despite the complexity of the issues under review. After gathering all regional inputs, the committee will analyse submissions and present its final report to the minister and Cabinet, marking a significant step towards modernising Namibia's public procurement framework.