Building infrastructure through public private partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa: lessons from South Africa

Abstract

The increase in the development of public infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa would improve the standard of living of the citizens and the socio-economic development of those countries. This study is aimed at identifying the challenges in the delivery of social and economic infrastructures in the region through public private partnership procurement arrangements. The method adopted is the review of current practices of public private partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa while using South Africa implementation process as case study for the region. The review was carried out through the review of past studies, reports and relevant policy documents. The lack of capacity and policy direction, high participation costs, delays in negotiation and poor performance are among the challenges identified. It is advised that the governments across sub-Saharan African countries should be committed to the processes and the political leadership should support and create good environment for the implementation of infrastructural projects under PPP arrangement