The Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB) of Botswana plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic landscape by overseeing the adjudication and awarding of public tenders, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and value for money in government procurement processes. Each year, the PPADB publishes an annual report detailing its activities, achievements, and the overall performance of public procurement in Botswana.
Highlights from Recent PPADB Annual Reports
Tender Awards and Financial Performance
2020/2021 Financial Year: The PPADB and its committees awarded tenders totaling P6.4 billion, marking a decrease from the P7.53 billion recorded in the 2019/2020 financial year. This decline was attributed to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the suspension of several projects and initiatives.
2021/2022 Financial Year: There was a slight decrease in the total value of procurement, amounting to P6.2 billion, down by 3% from the previous year. Despite this, the PPADB observed an increase in micro procurement activities, with tenders valued at P476.8 million, up from P345.4 million in 2020/2021.
Adjudication Activities
In the 2021/2022 financial year, the PPADB board adjudicated 697 submissions, a 16% increase from the 599 submissions in the prior year. The awarded tenders during this period amounted to P754.8 million, reflecting a significant increase from the previous year’s P843,858.40.
Capacity Building and Professionalization
The PPADB has been proactive in enhancing the procurement profession in Botswana. Collaborations with international bodies, such as the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), have led to the integration of best-value determination and life-cycle cost analysis in procurement processes. This partnership underscores Botswana’s commitment to transitioning to a knowledge-based economy and bolstering its reputation for good governance.
Additionally, the PPADB has developed a Procurement Professional Certification Scheme to elevate the standards of procurement practitioners. This competency-based certification aims to ensure that procurement professionals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to execute their duties effectively, thereby improving public service delivery.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Despite the progress, the PPADB has faced challenges, particularly in corporate governance. Reports have highlighted concerns such as the dominance of executive directors on the board and the merging of the roles of chairperson and executive director, which are considered deviations from standard corporate governance practices. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the PPADB.