The Importance of Information Disclosure in Public Procurement: A Benefit to African Citizen

Public procurement is the process by which governments purchase goods, services, and works from private sector companies. It is a critical function that can have a significant impact on a country's economic development and the quality of life for its citizens. However, the procurement process can also be vulnerable to corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of transparency, which can result in poor value for money and a negative impact on citizens.

Information disclosure is the process of making procurement-related information publicly available, including details about contracts, tenders, and the procurement process itself. This transparency can help to ensure that the procurement process is fair, efficient, and accountable, and that public resources are used in the best interests of citizens.

Public procurement can be divided into two main types:

Goods and services: This includes the purchase of physical goods, such as office supplies, vehicles, and equipment, as well as the provision of services, such as cleaning, security, and consulting.

Works: This includes the construction, renovation, and maintenance of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings.

How Does Information Disclosure Ensure Effective Procurement?

In Africa, where corruption and inefficiency have long been a problem in public procurement, information disclosure is becoming increasingly recognized as an important tool for ensuring effective procurement. By making information about procurement processes and outcomes publicly available, governments can:

Increase competition: When suppliers have access to information about upcoming procurement opportunities, they are more likely to bid, which can lead to lower prices and better value for taxpayers.

Reduce corruption: Transparency helps to deter corruption by making it more difficult for suppliers to engage in unethical practices. When information about procurement decisions is publicly available, it is easier for citizens and oversight bodies to identify and hold accountable those who engage in wrongdoing.

Improve accountability: Information disclosure helps to ensure that public officials are held accountable for their procurement decisions. When citizens and oversight bodies have access to information about how public funds are being spent, they can more easily hold officials accountable for ensuring that procurement processes are fair, efficient, and effective.

Examples of How Information Disclosure Benefits Citizens

There are numerous examples of how information disclosure has benefited citizens in the context of public procurement. Here are a few examples:

In the United States, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requires that all solicitations for contracts over $25,000 be publicly posted on the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website. This transparency has helped to increase competition and reduce prices on government contracts.

In the United Kingdom, the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 require that all contract awards over ￡10,000 be published on the Contracts Finder website. This transparency has helped to reduce corruption and improve accountability in public procurement.

In the Philippines, the Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003 requires that all procurement opportunities and contract awards be published on the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS). This transparency has helped to increase competition and reduce prices on government contracts, as well as reduce corruption

Information disclosure is essential for effective public procurement. By making information about procurement processes and outcomes publicly available, governments can increase competition, reduce corruption, and improve accountability. This ultimately benefits citizens by ensuring that public funds are spent wisely and that public services are delivered efficiently and effectively.