The new Greeks bearing gifts
Wednesday, August 02, 2017
From energy, to health, to infrastructure, climate change, peace, trade, agriculture and even cyber security and biodiversity conservation, China has pledged to stand by Africa as a development partner.
China, one of the world’s fastest growing economies, the principle buyer of all African commodities and the major origin of global tourists, indeed represents an unmissable opportunity for a new growth partner in Africa.
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...