SADC in $225 million deal with USA
Friday, August 04, 2023 | 420 Views |
USA rep Van Vranken AND SADC rep Elias Magosi PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
The $225 million that is expected to be pumped into the new agreement deal between SADC and USA is envisioned to go towards the SADC ‘Regional Development Objectives’ only.
Through the MOA signing that was held at the SADC Secretariat, Mphatso Kachule who is the legal counsel for the regional body revealed that funds from the agreement will come in batches. “The funds from the collaborative agreement will be provided in tranches and from 2023 to 2024 the initial allocation is $35.8 million. And this means that next year the government will provide another tranch depending on what the agreement will be in terms of the areas of cooperation,” he explained.
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...