World Bank, BIDPA discuss economic prospects
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The report was released late January and was much anticipated by investors, policy analysts such as the Botswana Institute of Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) and other stakeholders who look to the World Bank for guidance on economic issues.
This year's GEP focussed on the consequences of last year's global recession and the situation developing countries are likely to find themselves in as a result of tighter prospects for growth.
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...