Symposium recommends leading role for the private sector
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
"For a long time now, government has been the key driver of the economy," said James Masisi, "but time has come for the private sector to take its rightful place in growing the economy as clearly demonstrated in the theme for NDP10."
The Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry was speaking at the national symposium to consider a Private Sector Development Strategy (PSDS) in Gaborone last week.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...