Infusing value for money (VfM) into the public procurement system in botswana

Abstract

Public procurement accounts for a big proportion of public budget outlays, hence, it is important that there be demonstrated Value for Money (VfM) in public purchases. To ensure VfM in public procurement, Botswana introduced a modern public procurement system in early 2001. The system is yet to be subjected to VfM analysis. Using document analysis, this paper explores two main research questions: (i) what are key public procurement challenges in Botswana?; and (ii) how can public procurement in Botswana be improved? It is concluded that the public procurement system in Botswana is not constructed on a VfM basis. It is consequently suggested that there is a need for public procurement reforms and the adoption of various private sector continuous improvement tools such as Lean, Kaizen and Six Sigma.