Let’s Assess the Impact of the Procurement Act on Namibia’s Economic Landscape

By: Kandjengo kaMkwaanyoka

The primary responsibility of any government is to determine how to allocate its resources, particularly within the framework of the National Budget.
In Namibia, one of the methods we have chosen for this allocation is the Public Procurement Act of 2015, which replaced the former Tender Board Act (16 of 1996).
The Tender Board Act was once effective in shaping Namibia’s economic course, but over time, it deviated from its purpose and became a centre for corrupt interests.
The decision to repeal the Tender Board Act in favour of the Public Procurement Act of 2015 was a commendable move, signalling a collective understanding that evolving times demand new guiding structures for economic development.
The Public Procurement Act outlines how the government, through the bidding process, allocates its limited resources to achieve economic and social objectives.
However, while the transition was necessary – acknowledging the efforts to enhance transparency and accountability through the issuance of the Code of Good Practice – the PPA has also stirred significant disruptions in resource allocation, sparking various reactions from the public.